Although much about the causes of migraines are not well understood, Genetics factors and Environmental factors seem to play major roles to cause migraine.
One of the first steps in managing migraines is to identify your migraine factors or triggers and trying to avoid them. By identifying migraine triggers, you will be able to spot the warning signs and therefore control the migraine attack more effectively.
Whatever the exact mechanism of the headaches, a number of things may trigger them. The triggers are different for different patients of migraine. Some potential migraine triggers include:
• Hormonal changes:
A Fluctuation in estrogen seems to trigger migraine headaches. Women having migraines often report headaches immediately before or during their menstrual periods, when they have a major drop in estrogen. Others have an increased tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal medications such as oral birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy also may worsen migraines. On the other hand, some women find it's beneficial to take them to reduce migraine pain.
• Foods:
Often, migraines appear to be triggered by certain foods. Common foods that usually trigger migraine include caffeine rich drinks, cheeses, chocolate, some beans, aspartame, monosodium glutamate, nuts, peanut butters, salty foods, and processed foods. Irregular or skipping meals and fasting also can trigger migraines.
• Physical and Mental Stress:
Excess physical works and mental stress at work or home usually trigger migraines.
