First migraine at 40

Did you get your first migraine at 40?  The root cause of migraine may be easy to discover, if you pay attention to a few key things.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is basically a really, really, really bad headache.  According to the Mayo clinic, it throbs and it is one of the worst things you can experience because it really can be debilitating.  Some people only get it for a day while others suffer for days.  It’s usually on one side of the head and you may also have sensitivity to light / noise.  Nausea is also a common symptom.  The intense throbbing can stop you living your life.

My story

I can’t say that I experienced my very first migraine at 40 because I did have one in my 20’s – during a very stressful time in my life.  It was bad but I knew the cause of it and I was dealing with it.  It had only caught up with me and caused a migraine for one day – never to return until I got my first migraine at 40.

When I was around 40, I started getting intense migraines.  They would start right behind my left eye and it felt like someone pierced me with an ice pick.  It hurt so bad.  I couldn’t think, much less function in any other capacity.  When I had a migraine, I was down for 3 days.  The problem was that there is still a life to need to live.

Living life

Home, work and family – none of that stops because you have a migraine.  The home responsibilities weren’t as big of a deal as the work responsibilities.  I could do the things I really needed to do and leave everything for when I was feeling better.  Sure, the dishes and the loads of laundry didn’t get done – It wasn’t an ideal situation but that part I managed without having too many consequences.  This may not be the case for you if you have children and have constant demands.

It’s the work part that was difficult for me.  When you have to be ‘on’ all the time, making decisions, and getting your work done – here is where I struggled.  My presentations weren’t going very smoothly.  I had a hard time answering questions.  I used to be very good on the spot but I just couldn’t think because my head hurt SO bad.  In a nutshell, I really had a hard time functioning.  And, it showed.  Sure, people were compassionate but that only goes so far.  When you get migraines every month, what are you supposed to do?  I surely didn’t know.

First migraine at 40

So, what’s going on?  Why, all of a sudden, does this happen?  Aside from stress / anxiety, hormonal issues, and even contraceptive pills, one big cause of migraines is MSG.

Stress as a cause of first migraine at 40

At this time in our lives, your career is really moving.  You have kids you’re taking care of and possibly parents that are ailing.  (This is known as the sandwich generation.)  It’s tough.  There are a lot of demands on you and it may become overwhelming.  Throw in a major life changing event such as a new baby, an illness, or a death of someone close to you and it can really cause problems.

The bottom line is that you know if you are under too much stress so it may be a matter of dealing with the stressor in order for the migraines to subside.  Easier said than done sometimes, but you know the culprit and can figure out a way to start dealing with it.  It may take some time, but now you know.

But, what about the hormonal aspect?

Hormonal reasons for migraines

Another reason for migraine could be hormonal.  I had a hormonal challenge and this may be someone that you need to look into.  Read more about my experience here.  This could be another BIG reason you get your first migraine at 40.  Unfortunate, but very true.  This can be linked to the contraceptive use as well.  When I was in my 20’s, I didn’t think about what the synthetic hormones could do to my body.  All I cared about was birth control and being able to plan my life around my cycle.  That’s what we care about when we’re 20.  You end up paying for it later, though.

MSG as culprit for first migraine at 40

The other big reason for your first migraine at 40 are food additives, more specifically MSG.  Monosodium glutamate.  It’s in so many foods that sometimes you don’t even realize it.  Plus, it may be used in some ‘take-out’ establishments.  If you ever see a sign in the window saying ‘No added MSG’, this just means that they didn’t add it in themselves but it could already be in there.  Be forewarned because I ended up having to stop eating at those places.

MSG in foods can contribute to MSG symptom complex which includes headaches / migraines, nausea, trouble breathing and even chest pains.  Migraines suck and you need to watch out what is actually in your food.  You don’t have to suffer like this.

Conclusion

You need to look at your habits to figure out the reason for your first migraine at 40.  Whatever it is, you need to make some changes because it will NOT get better if you don’t.  The longer it goes on, the more debilitating it can be.  I wish you the best of luck in finding the cause and taking steps to make it better.

Featured photo credit:  Prostock-studio