Subtle Things That Could Be The Source of Your Migraines

As you get older, your body changes in ways that can affect how you feel, and headaches often become part of the picture. Migraines, in particular, can feel more intense and harder to manage after 50. The key to keeping them at bay is understanding the triggers, some of which may surprise you. Identifying these hidden culprits can give you the power to reduce their impact and reclaim your comfort. According to WebMD, here are some lesser-known causes of migraines that could be making your head hurt even more as you age and how to address them effectively.

Physical Strain

As you age, feeling tired can become more common and affect how your body handles physical strain. Fatigue can make you more likely to get a migraine because your body is less able to manage stress. Long days or busy schedules can add up, leaving you feeling worn out and more vulnerable to headaches. Your body’s energy levels may not bounce back as quickly as they used to, which can increase your chances of migraines. When you’re already worn out, any extra pressure can be enough to trigger pain.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can easily trigger a migraine. Dehydration becomes more common as you age because you may not feel as thirsty as you did when you were younger. When you don’t replace fluids and electrolytes that left your body in urine and sweat, dehydration can set in and trigger a migraine headache. When it doesn’t get enough water, it can affect your blood flow and lead to migraine.

Poor Diet Choices

The food you eat can affect how often you get migraines. Some foods and drinks, like aged cheese and processed snacks, have content that can trigger migraines. As you age, your body may react differently to foods that were once fine. Skipping meals or eating unhealthy snacks can lead to drops in blood sugar, which can set off a headache. Eating foods that don’t agree with you or not eating enough can be triggers.

Medications That Affect Blood Flow

Certain medications can change how blood flows in your body, leading to headaches. Oral contraceptives or vasodilators are known to trigger migraine pain. You might have tried these medicines in the past without any incident of migraines. However, your body may react differently to medications as you age, making migraines more common. If you notice that your headaches get worse after starting a new medication, it could be related.

Stress

Stress is a well-known cause of headaches, but its effect can change as you age. Your body may handle stress differently after 50, making you more likely to get migraines. When stress levels stay high for too long, it can pressure your body and lead to headaches. Your ability to bounce back from stress may not be as strong as before, making migraines more likely. Even small stresses can have a bigger impact over time.

Lack of Rest

Not getting enough rest can make migraines show up more often. Sleeping through the night might become more difficult as you age, leaving you tired during the day. A lack of rest means your body doesn’t have enough time to recover, which can trigger headaches. Your brain needs proper sleep to stay balanced, and not getting it can lead to more migraines. Waking up frequently and struggling to fall asleep can also add to the problem.

Exposure to Certain Smells or Fumes

Strong smells can trigger migraines, especially if you become more sensitive to them as you age. Perfumes or paint thinner can start a headache quickly. Your sense of smell may change over time, making certain scents more overwhelming. Even things you once liked can become too much as you age. These smells can make your body react by causing headaches.

Bright Lights

Bright lights can trigger migraines, especially as you age. Your eyes may become more sensitive, making it easier for bright lights to release pain. Even everyday things, like sunlight or bright indoor lights, can start a headache. This can make places with strong lighting, like shopping centers or office spaces, uncomfortable. The glare from screens, like phones or computers, can also be problematic.

Weather Conditions

Very hot or cold temperatures can be challenging on your body and lead to migraines. When the weather changes quickly, your body has to adjust, which can trigger headaches. Heat can make you dehydrated or cause you to feel worn out, leading to pain. Cold weather can tense your body, especially if you are not dressed warmly. These temperature changes can make migraines more common as you get older. The sudden shifts can be enough to start a headache even if you feel fine otherwise.

Changes in Hormones

Hormones play a significant role in how your body functions, and shifts in these levels can impact migraines. After 50, hormone levels naturally fluctuate, especially during menopause or other changes. These shifts can make migraines more frequent or intense for some people. Stress, diet, and sleep patterns can also influence how your hormones behave, potentially triggering headaches. 

Loud Noises

Loud or unexpected noises can trigger migraines for some people. As you age, your ears and nervous system might become more sensitive to sound. Everyday noises, like traffic, construction, or loud music, can feel more intense and trigger pain. This sudden exposure to noise can cause your body to react with stress, leading to a headache. Your tolerance for noise may change as you age, making sounds that once seemed fine feel overwhelming. Loud noises can add to the pressure in your head, setting off a migraine.

Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol is a common trigger for migraines, especially as your body processes it differently with age. Drinks like red wine, beer, or spirits can contain chemicals that may set off headaches. Even a small amount can sometimes lead to a migraine if you’re sensitive to it. Staying hydrated and eating while drinking can reduce the likelihood of a headache. It’s helpful to notice if certain types of alcohol seem to affect you more than others. 

Caffeine

Caffeine can be a double-edged sword when it comes to migraines. While small amounts may help alleviate headaches for some people, drinking too much or withdrawing from it suddenly can trigger migraines. The body becomes used to regular caffeine intake, and sudden changes in consumption, whether too much or too little, can disrupt blood flow in the brain, leading to a headache. Remember this when you drink those three cups of coffee in the morning or when you decided to completely stop drinking all that soda

Skipping Meals

Skipping meals can cause blood sugar levels to drop, which may trigger migraines in some people. Low blood sugar can stress the brain and cause it to release certain hormones that contribute to headache symptoms. This is why your head may hurt when y ou forget to eat lunch or when you are in the middle of a fast. Maintaining a regular eating schedule will keep you rblood sugar stable and your head feeling good.

Migraines can be affected by many triggers that become more noticeable as you get older. How your body reacts to these triggers might change, leading to more headaches. Understanding what might be behind these migraines can make it easier to know what affects you most. Age can bring new challenges, but knowing these triggers can help you feel more prepared. Recognizing what could be causing your headaches is the first step to managing them better.

This article was inspired by WebMD.