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Migraine Triggers And Risk Factors: The Quick Guide

Home HealthMigraine Triggers And Risk Factors: The Quick Guide
This article will teach you migraine triggers and risk factors that cause migraine headaches that can help in preventing migraines.

Migraine Triggers And Risk Factors: The Quick Guide

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Last Updated on January 3, 2021 by Lori Geurin

Migraine headaches can come on quickly and, seemingly, without warning. But if you’ve had migraines for a while you start to see signs when a migraine attack is on its way. And even though migraines are not fully understood, we know the environment and genetics are involved. Identifying and avoiding your triggers can help you prevent future attacks.

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So let’s take a look at some factors that could be causing your migraines.

Migraine Triggers And Risk Factors

Migraine Triggers

  • Strong or unusual smells
  • Bright or flickering lights, especially fluorescent ones
  • Loud sounds
  • Food triggers including aspartame, nuts, citrus fruits, red wine, soft cheeses, large amounts of caffeine, and food with added nitrates or nitrites and MSG. And despite what you may have heard, chocolate doesn’t seem to be a trigger. This common misconception is likely due to people craving sweet foods, such as chocolate, before a migraine strikes.
  • Dehydration – You can counteract this by drinking plenty of lemon water
  • Stress (Read 5 Simple Ways To Relieve Stress And Relax for helpful tips)
  • Not eating when you’re used to eating regular meals
  • EMFs from computer screens and cell phones
  • Weather changes, including high humidity, barometric pressure, and high altitude
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Vigorous exercise, especially if you’re not used to it (Check out 4 Essentials Before You Start A Health Or Fitness Program for advice to help you ease into a fitness plan.)
  • Teeth grinding
  • Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
  • Taking drugs including cannabis and cocaine
  • A change in your routine
  • Overuse of migraine medication, opiates, and barbiturates

Related: 10 Signs You’re Having A Migraine

cheese with figs
Soft cheeses and nuts are a migraine trigger for some people.

Now for some risk factors that make some people more susceptible to migraines.

Migraine Risk Factors

  • Family history of migraines
  • Being overweight or underweight
  • Hormonal changes in women
  • Lower education levels
  • After puberty, women are up to three times more likely to get migraines than men
  • Depression
  • Age – Most people get their first migraine during adolescence, but there are always exceptions. My first migraine didn’t happen until I was 20.

Related: 10 Effective Treatments For Migraines

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Summary – Migraine Triggers

Knowing your migraine triggers and the risk factors involved is an excellent preventative tool. Also, keeping a migraine diary can help you recognize common patterns. I’ve found an app that serves this purpose and I absolutely love it! It’s called Migraine Buddy and it is free.

You can learn more about it here: Migraine Buddy: THE App For People With Migraines

Also, if you have a child who suffers from migraines you might find Migraine Headaches In Children: Types, Symptoms & Treatments helpful.

I hope you’ve found this article helpful in thinking about possible causes for your migraine headaches.


What are your migraine triggers? 

Please share in the comment section below. I love hearing your thoughts!


This article will teach you migraine triggers and risk factors that cause migraine headaches that can help in preventing migraines.


If you enjoyed this, you may want to check out:

  • The First Steps For Living With A Chronic Illness
  • Everyone With Lyme Disease Has A Story
  • 7 Tips For Coping With Chronic Illness
  • Top 10 Habits To Help You Live Longer

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About Lori Geurin

Lori Geurin, Certified Holistic Health & Wellness Coach and Certified Life Coach, is the Founder and CEO of LoriGeurin.com. When a debilitating illness disrupted her life she began a journey to recover her health. Married to David, mama to 4, former teacher, and research nerd. Lori has been featured on various platforms including Thrive Global, Medium, and The Fasting For Freedom Summit.

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8 Comments

Leave your reply.
  • Kimberly Lewis
    · Reply

    November 28, 2017 at 3:00 PM

    I really needed this article! My 14-year-old has suffered from migraines for years and I’m always looking for more information so I can help her out!

    • Lori Geurin
      · Reply

      Author
      November 29, 2017 at 12:02 PM

      Hey there, Kimberly! I’m so sorry to hear that your daughter is dealing with migraines at such a young age. Some of our kids have dealt with getting horrible headaches we thought were possibly migraines, but they don’t happen too often so it hasn’t been easy to figure out. Many of their severe headaches seem to be related to not drinking enough water so they’ve been working on that and it has helped a bit. My best to you and your daughter. Thanks.

  • Lindsey Schatz
    · Reply

    November 28, 2017 at 8:11 AM

    This is such a great and informational article! Thank you for sharing migraine triggers and risk factors!

    • Lori Geurin
      · Reply

      Author
      November 28, 2017 at 8:01 PM

      Hey LIndsey, You’re so welcome! And thanks for reading!

  • Melissa
    · Reply

    November 27, 2017 at 10:09 PM

    This is so interesting! I never knew there were so many triggers, I think for me mainly is being dehydrated, I feel so much better once I drink water. Thank you for sharing this!

    • Lori Geurin
      · Reply

      Author
      November 29, 2017 at 12:04 PM

      Thanks for sharing this, Melissa! That’s good that you’ve figured out your trigger. Dehydration is a big one for many people.

  • Cecil
    · Reply

    November 27, 2017 at 4:59 PM

    Very informative article. I used to have really bad migraines, and I found later that it was due to dehydration. I had only been drinking about 16 ounces of water a day.

    • Lori Geurin
      · Reply

      Author
      November 29, 2017 at 12:05 PM

      Thank you, Cecil! I’m hearing so many people say dehydration is a trigger for them too. I’m so glad you figured this out and hoping it helps you.

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