When do people first experience migraine?

I’m often asked when people typically first experience migraine. Migraine attacks can start at almost any age, and their onset varies widely from person to person. On average, boys tend to experience migraine earlier than girls, with onset around age 7 for boys and around age 10 for girls. While many experience their first migraine attack during childhood, it’s possible for them to develop at any stage of life. It’s also common for women to see migraine diminish during pregnancy or after menopause, likely due to the reduced fluctuations in sex hormones.

Another frequent question is why migraine attacks happen. Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer, as we still don’t fully understand what triggers a migraine attack. However, there is a strong genetic component, and environmental factors, along with childhood experiences, may also play a role. The important takeaway is that migraine is more common than many realize, with severe headaches affecting up to 20% of the U.S. population. If you or someone you know suffers from frequent headaches, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. Click here to learn more about common headache disorders.

References:

Brenner M, Lewis D. The treatment of migraine headaches in children and adolescents. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Jan;13(1):17-24. doi: 10.5863/1551-6776-13.1.17.

Cohen F, Bobker S. From diet to disasters, lifestyle factors can affect headaches and migraine. Headache. 2023 Jun;63(6):712-713. doi: 10.1111/head.14500.

Tietjen GE, Brandes JL, Peterlin BL, et al. Childhood maltreatment and migraine (part I). Prevalence and adult revictimization: a multicenter headache clinic survey. Headache. 2010 Jan;50(1):20-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2009.01556.x.