Migraines have several causes, and there are also many cures. Experts share what you might be doing to indirectly cause migraine headaches and what they’ve recently discovered to relieve them. There are many simple ways to prevent migraines. The surprising main cause is the new medication you may be prescribed.
Caffeinated Headaches
Most pain aids contain caffeine as a form of relief from migraine headaches. But did you know a large amount of caffeine is one of the leading causes of migraines? A 2019 study by the American Journal of Medicine shows caffeine as a migraine trigger. Experts monitored 100 migraine sufferers for 6 weeks, tracking when the pain occurred and their caffeine intake. Researchers found that three servings or more of caffeine each day corresponded with a migraine by the end of the day. Limited amounts of caffeine were not found to cause any issues, and neither were foods containing caffeine because of the low amounts. While caffeine is not the only cause of migraines, it is prevalent in many of our lives and can be avoided to keep migraines at bay.
New Migraine Medication
In October 2019, the FDA approved a new medication to provide relief for migraine sufferers. Prescription Reyvow is not available to those who qualify at a doctor’s discretion. While it doesn’t prevent migraines, it can relieve pain and other symptoms within two hours. The American Migraine Foundation estimates that 28 million women suffer from migraines, and they have been ranked as one of the top ten disabling conditions. Migraine symptoms keep production levels down and may cause lost workdays. While Reyvow doesn’t prevent the causes, it can be one of the cures for migraines. Nausea, sensitivity to light, and vision changes keep sufferers from a productive life.
Migraine Triggers
Stress: Working multiple jobs, working long hours, and being a parent can lead to stress. Overexerting yourself can cause painful headaches, leading to migraines. To avoid stress-induced migraines, take short breaks throughout the day to let your mind rest. Practice breathing exercises or do something relaxing, such as reading a book or listening to soft music.
Hormones: Women are three times more likely than men to experience migraines, with up to 75% noticing attacks around their menstrual period due to hormonal changes. This type of migraine, known as “menstrual migraine,” is triggered by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. Lifestyle changes, certain birth control methods, and working with a specialist can help manage and prevent these migraines.
Skipping meals: Without eating, your blood sugar can drop. Then, your body releases hormones to signal hunger. These hormones may increase blood pressure and tighten blood vessels, causing a headache. Be sure you are taking the proper breaks throughout the day to eat regularly. Keep snacks on hand at work and during your busiest times. Ensure you are getting all your daily vitamins and nutrients as you balance breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep can cause the creation of proteins in the body that cause chronic pain. They can reduce the body’s threshold for experiencing pain, causing headaches. Your body suffers in so many ways when you don’t get enough sleep. So do yourself a favor and get 6-8 hours of sleep every night.
Humidity: Weird but true! Cloudy, gray skies can bring migraines rolling in. The pressure changes are thought to trigger chemical and electrical changes in the brain. The irritation of nerves causes headaches to come on strong. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to control the weather. Yet, keeping track of changing weather conditions can help you avoid too much pain. Other beneficial actions include taking a safe, over-the-counter pain reliever when you feel a headache coming on, drinking plenty of water, and breathing in soothing scents such as lavender oil or rosemary oil.
Dehydration: About one-third of people with migraines report that dehydration is a major trigger, with even mild dehydration leading to intense head pain. It can also cause symptoms like dizziness and confusion and sometimes might become a medical emergency. To cope, carry water with you, aim for at least two liters of fluids daily, and limit diuretics—sometimes, a simple glass of water can help stop a migraine before it worsens.
Light and Smells: Many migraine sufferers are sensitive to light—a condition called photophobia—which is actually a key symptom used in diagnosing migraines. Bright sunlight, flickering bulbs, and harsh fluorescent lighting can all trigger or worsen migraine attacks. To cope, wearing sunglasses outdoors, avoiding glare, and using green light or green-light-filtering glasses can help reduce light-related discomfort. Certain odors can trigger migraines or worsen existing attacks by activating nerve receptors in the nasal passages—a symptom known as osmophobia, which is common among migraine sufferers. Scents like perfumes, strong foods, cleaning chemicals, or gasoline are often culprits. To manage this, avoid known triggers and consider politely asking coworkers to skip scented products in shared spaces.
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This article was updated on 04/11/2025.