Migraines why they happen

It can also sometimes be difficult to tell if something is really a trigger or if what you're experiencing is an early symptom of a migraine attack. Some women experience migraines around the time of their period, possibly because of changes in the levels of hormones such as oestrogen around this time. These type of migraines usually occur between 2 days before the start of your period to 3 days after.

Some women only experience migraines around this time, which is known as pure menstrual migraine. Adding other non-medicine therapies to the treatment plan, such as acupuncture or herbs, helps some people with migraines. But ask your health care provider about these before trying them. This is especially true of herbal treatments because they can affect how other medicines work. You can't prevent every migraine.

But learning your triggers and trying to avoid them can help. Take a break from activities that might start a migraine, such as using the computer for a long time. If you know that some foods are triggers, skip them.

Some people find that cutting back on caffeine or drinking a lot of water can help prevent migraines. Make a plan for all the things you have to do — especially during stressful times like exams — so you don't feel overwhelmed when things pile up. Regular exercise also can reduce stress and make you feel better.

Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Are Migraines? Who Gets Migraines? What Causes Migraines? Today, it is widely understood that chemical compounds and hormones, such as serotonin and estrogen, often play a role in pain sensitivity for migraine sufferers. One aspect of migraine pain theory explains that migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells.

These trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. Serotonin is a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells. It can cause narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body. When serotonin or estrogen levels change, the result for some is a migraine. March 16, Preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults.

Kleinman K, et al. In: Harriet Lane Handbook. Elsevier; Taylor FR. ABC's of headache trigger management. American Migraine Foundation. Migraine adult adjunctive therapy adult.

Mayo Clinic; Integrative and complementary migraine treatments. Riggin EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 1, FDA approves new treatment for patients with migraine. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed April 20, Migraines and gastrointestinal problems: Is there a link? Migraines and Vertigo Migraines: Are they triggered by weather changes? Occipital nerve stimulation: Effective migraine treatment? Ocular migraine: When to seek help Show more related content.