DOSSIER

  26/11/2022 | Alexandra BRESSON

You know that throbbing headache all too well, that excruciating pain that can last for hours: a migraine. Each migraine attack involves one or more different symptoms from person to person, and the same is true for triggers. What are we talking about? Certain situations or moments that can trigger a migraine attack, all sharing a common element of altered state. Ladies, you should know that you are more likely to suffer from migraines than men for a very simple reason: hormones. The most powerful migraine trigger is, without a doubt, the female hormonal cycle.

More specifically, the culprit is a drop in estrogen levels at the end of the menstrual cycle, which is why some women only experience migraine attacks just before or after the first day of their period. But in addition to these menstrual migraines, most women experience attacks unrelated to this time of the month. Many people with migraines experience attacks related to changes in their lifestyle, whether personal or professional. These can be triggered by stress or upset, or conversely, by sudden relaxation, for example, at the start of a weekend, or even by too much or too little sleep, or a change in diet.

Lifestyle also plays a role, with well-known contributing factors. These include overwork, unusually intense physical exertion, and the consumption of certain foods or stimulants such as chocolate, processed meats, tobacco, coffee, or alcohol. Sensory stimulation is also among the most frequently identified triggers for migraine sufferers. Therefore, be mindful of heat and bright light, loud noises, strong winds, and strong odors. And remember that this recommendation also applies to weather conditions, such as a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure, which can signal rain.

To identify your potential triggers, why not keep a migraine diary to track your attacks and identify which ones to avoid? However, be careful not to adopt overly drastic avoidance strategies, as this could make you even more sensitive to any change, however minor. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, not skipping meals, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities are usually sufficient. It's important to remember, though, that the trigger isn't the cause of the migraine, which is most often genetic, as it's simply a factor that affects someone who is already predisposed. It's up to you to determine the exact cause by consulting a healthcare professional.

  Alexandra BRESSON

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