These Are The 9 Most Common Reasons Women Get Migraines

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If you’ve ever been sidelined by an intense, throbbing headache, you know the debilitating effects of a migraine. This is a common experience, particularly for women. Understanding the root causes of your migraines is the first step to taking control. Discover nine common reasons why women experience migraines and explore potential remedies.

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

Migraines occur three to four times more frequently in adult women than in men. One reason for the discrepancy is hormones. Changes in hormone levels — especially estrogen — can make the brain more sensitive to migraine attacks. This may explain why women may experience migraines before and during their period, pregnancy, or during menopause.

2. Stress

Stress is a common migraine trigger, and the pain it causes can contribute to more stress, creating a frustrating cycle. The fluctuation in cortisol levels can lead to a migraine attack. Paradoxically, a reduction in stress can also be a trigger. This “let down” migraine often affects those who are chronically stressed and may occur during periods of relaxation or vacation.

3. Sleep Patterns and Disruptions

Inconsistent sleep patterns — too much, too little or irregular sleep — can disrupt the brain’s natural rhythms, making it more vulnerable to migraines. Obstructive sleep apnea can also increase your risk of migraines. People with this sleep disorder may be three times more likely to experience headaches. 

4. Dietary Triggers

Foods that contain artificial sweeteners — particularly aspartame — may trigger migraines. Consider eliminating these sweeteners from your diet to see if it reduces your attacks. Other common dietary triggers include alcoholic beverages, chocolate and foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG). Caffeine is a complex factor —  while excessive consumption can induce headaches, it can stop oncoming migraine attacks in some people.

5. Weather Changes

Have you ever felt a headache setting in on a rainy day? Your body may be sensitive to weather changes, which can cause brain chemical imbalance and frustration. Triggers include extreme heat or cold, bright sunlight, sun glare, dry air, windy or stormy weather, high humidity, or barometric pressure changes. Sometimes, a single trigger may not be sufficient to prompt a migraine attack. In some cases, it’s a combination of factors, like spending time outside without enough sleep.

6. Light

Migraine aura is a type of headache in which individuals see visions of sparkles, flashing lights or other unusual sights. Around one-third of people with migraines experience this discomfort, which is often caused by flickering or pulsing lights, glare and screens. People may feel dizzy and numb, and the sensations last less than an hour before common symptoms like head pain and nausea occur. 

7. Motion Sickness

Vestibular migraine is a common problem, impacting up to 2.7% of the general population. Many people with this condition experience nausea and dizziness when reading in a car. You may experience motion sickness when riding in a boat or car, or even watching moving images on a screen. Such discomfort can induce a migraine.

8. Smells

Have you ever smelled something and felt a throbbing headache afterward? Certain smells can be too much for people susceptible to migraines. If your nose picks up a signal that your brain interprets as a threat, it can cause a migraine attack. A study identified these common odor triggers:

• Perfumes
• Tobacco
• Fabric softener
• Body odor
• Garbage
• Hairdressing products
• Cars
• Sweat

9. Past Traumatic Experiences

Did you know that childhood abuse increases your migraine risk? The more traumatic events you experienced, the higher the chances of developing a headache disorder. There are two types of trauma — threat, which includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and deprivation, including neglect, parental death and lack of essential resources. Knowing the type of trauma can help your physician develop an effective prevention and treatment plan. 

Fast-Relief Migraine Remedies 

It’s understandable to feel desperate for relief when migraine strikes. If you’ve experienced this, know you’re not alone and that fast relief is possible. Here are the most common remedies.

Healthy Sleep

The brain thrives on consistency. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. A solid sleeping schedule can help boost your energy and immunological response. An afternoon nap can also help you recover from headache troubles.

A Warm Compress or Ice Pack

Ice can help reduce inflammation and numb the affected area. To feel better, put an ice pack on your forehead, temple, scalp or back of your neck. You can also use a hot pack to relax tense muscles around your head.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

You don’t need a prescription to buy OTC drugs like acetaminophen, triptans and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to get migraine relief. However, be careful not to overuse them. Taking them for 10 or more days per month can increase your risk of developing medication overuse headaches, which may make migraines more frequent.

Rest in a Dark, Quiet Room

Bright lights can worsen migraine pain. Pull down the shades or turn off the lights to speed up your recovery. Lights containing invisible pulsing can trigger migraines in some people. Consider replacing overhead fluorescents with LED lights with more amber tones.

Long-Term Migraine Management 

Persistent migraines call for more comprehensive solutions. Consider these preventive remedies. 

Botox

The same Botox used in cosmetic procedures can be a game-changer for chronic migraines. It’s an FDA-approved method that can help reduce migraine intensity. This treatment is usually recommended for people who have headaches for a minimum of 15 days per month, with each lasting at least four hours. Popular injection sites are behind the temples, between the neck and shoulders, at the skull’s base, and in the middle of the forehead above the eyes.

Trigger Management 

Your lifestyle choices matter in preventing persistent migraines. Since stress is a major trigger, practicing relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, yoga or even scheduling regular downtime can make your mind more resilient against headaches.

A Nutrient-Rich Diet 

What you consume can help you prevent migraines. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods to strengthen your mind and body. Orange and yellow vegetables contain zeaxanthin, which can help your eyes filter migraine-inducing blue light from fluorescent lights and the sun. Cucumbers contain water, preventing dehydration.

Professional Help

Consult a health care provider — ideally a headache specialist or neurologist — if symptoms persist. They can accurately diagnose your migraine type and rule out other conditions.

Say Goodbye to Migraines 

You’ve seen how various factors can play a role in a migraine attack. The key takeaway is that you don’t have to endure the pain in silence or without effective help. Track your triggers, avoid them when possible, take control of your health and explore treatment options.