Yes, as a young teen it started, I can even remember the first one as if it was yesterday and I am 55 now. It is usually triggered by stress and from what I have been told, it is from trauma. I was surprised to read your post because it actually happened to me only a few nights ago, because I am under a tremendous amount of stress right now. I will tell you that through the years, it has become less and less but I have been attacked by alligators, sharks, snakes and other things while in those nightmares. They are truly terrifying.
I have used guided imagery to help me go to sleep and when I do, I don't have nightmares. Unfortunately, when I am upset or angry, when I should used guided imagery, I usually forget and then have the nightmares. Maybe you will be more diligent than me.
I am sorry you suffer from these but I hope guided imagery helps you.