Nausea on your period is common because of hormones and prostaglandins. See a doctor if it is severe.
Why
Prostaglandins and hormone changes cause nausea. They affect the gut and brain.
Common
Up to 70% of people with periods report digestive symptoms.
Relief
- Ginger tea.
- Small meals.
- Heat pad.
- NSAIDs, which lower prostaglandins.
See a doctor
If nausea or vomiting is severe or interferes with life.
Check
Pregnancy test if you are late.
Hormone link
Prostaglandins, produced by the uterine lining, cause uterine contractions and can also affect the gut and trigger nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Up to 90 percent of women experience some menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), and nausea is reported in about 89 percent of women with painful periods in some studies.
- Hormone changes in estrogen and progesterone before periods can slow digestion.
- Migraines linked to the menstrual cycle can cause nausea.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects 3 to 8 percent of menstruating women and can include physical symptoms.
Relief and when to check
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce prostaglandins and work best when started at the first sign of symptoms. Heat packs, ginger tea (about 1 g of ginger per day in studies) and light exercise help. Hormonal birth control can reduce symptoms. See a doctor for severe pain, heavy bleeding, or symptoms that disrupt life, which can indicate endometriosis, affecting about 10 percent of reproductive-age women.
Hormone link
Nausea during periods is linked to prostaglandins, hormones that cause uterine contractions and can also affect the gut. Higher levels are associated with more cramps, diarrhea and nausea. Premenstrual syndrome and PMDD may add symptoms.
Relief and when to check
Ginger, heat, small meals and NSAIDs taken early may help. Hormonal contraception can reduce symptoms. See a doctor if nausea is severe, there is vomiting for more than a day, or pain disrupts life, as endometriosis may be a cause.
Why NSAIDs help
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen block cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin production. Taking 400 mg every 6 to 8 hours starting at the first sign of bleeding or pain reduces cramps and associated nausea in many women. Hormonal contraceptives suppress ovulation and lower prostaglandin levels.
Other measures
Heat pads at 40 C, small frequent meals, ginger tea and light exercise like walking or yoga help. Magnesium and vitamin B1 have limited evidence. Endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 women, and severe symptoms with GI upset should be assessed. Seek help for vomiting that prevents fluids, pain not controlled with NSAIDs or very heavy bleeding.
Based on data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Mayo Clinic
