Understanding the symptom of nausea before your period

You’re just going about your day, maybe tackling your to-do list or trying to enjoy a moment of peace, and then it hits you — out of nowhere, that queasy, unsettling feeling in your stomach. You check the calendar, and yep, it’s happening again: premenstrual nausea. If you’ve been dealing with this little surprise every month, we totally get how frustrating it can be. 

Premenstrual nausea is that queasy, unsettling feeling in your stomach that can hit you right before your period starts, making you feel like throwing up. It’s like your body’s way of reminding you that your next period is on the way, just in case the mood swings, pre-period bloating, and food cravings weren’t enough of a hint. And while it’s definitely not the most glamorous of period symptoms, it’s fairly common. 

causes of nausea before your period 

Do you feel nausea before your period but don't quite understand why that happens? Here's what may be happening in your body that leads to this queasy feeling: 

hormonal fluctuations 

The main factor behind premenstrual nausea is, you guessed it, hormonal fluctuations or changes. As you approach your menstrual period, your body experiences a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. This sudden change can affect your digestive system, slowing down your stomach’s ability to empty food as quickly as it usually does. The result? That queasy feeling you know all too well. 

But that’s not all. Those same hormones can also mess with your brain’s vomiting center (yes, that’s a real thing), making you more sensitive to smells, tastes, and even the thought of certain foods. 

other potential triggers 

While hormones are the main players, other factors can contribute to nausea before your period, too. These include:  

• stress - Stress can trigger and intensify premenstrual symptoms, including nausea. When you’re under stress, your stomach might turn, especially during PMS, when your digestive system is already more sensitive. 

• unhealthy diet -  Eating salty, fatty, or spicy foods can upset your stomach, particularly during PMS. Your digestive system is more sensitive at this time, making it easier for certain foods to trigger nausea. 

• birth control pills - Some types can cause nausea as a side effect, especially if you’re just starting or switching brands. 

Try keeping a symptom diary to track patterns and identify what might be causing the discomfort. It’s important to identify whether the nausea is linked to your menstrual cycle or something else, like diet or stress. 

is it normal to feel nauseous before your period? 

Now, you might be wondering, “Is this normal?” The short answer is yes. While not experienced by everyone, premenstrual nausea is a fairly common symptom among menstruating individuals. In fact, it’s estimated that around 20 to 50 percent of people who menstruate experience some form of nausea 7 to 10 days before their period starts. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean you should have to suffer through it. If your period nausea is mild and manageable, then it’s likely just another part of your period symptoms. 

However, if you’re dealing with severe nausea that’s making it hard to eat, drink, or function, it’s time to chat with your healthcare provider. In rare cases, severe nausea could be a sign of an underlying issue, like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or another health condition that requires professional assistance. 

premenstrual nausea vs. morning sickness 

It’s easy to mix up premenstrual nausea with morning sickness, especially when both involve that unsettling, queasy feeling. While premenstrual nausea typically hits just before your period due to hormonal changes, morning sickness is a classic early pregnancy symptom of both nausea and vomiting. Vomiting is less common to occur with premenstrual nausea.  

If you’re unsure whether your nausea is due to PMS or pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test to clear up any confusion, especially if you've engaged in any sexual activity in the past month. Remember, both types of nausea can feel similar, but their timing and symptoms may differ. 

managing premenstrual nausea 

So, how do you deal with this not-so-fun PMS symptom? Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to ease this feeling and make this phase a little more bearable. In fact, most of these tips may also be helpful strategies for managing pre-period nausea and nausea during your period. Here’s a list: 

• eat smaller, more frequent meals - Rather than having three big meals, opt for smaller portions spread out over the day. This approach can help maintain steady blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of nausea by preventing your stomach from becoming overly full. 

• stay hydrated - Drinking water helps with period cramps and is effective at keeping nausea away.  

• relax and reduce stress - Since stress can worsen nausea, try to include some relaxation techniques into your routine. Whether it’s deep breathing, meditation, or just taking a few moments to chill out.  

• wear comfortable period products - When you’re already feeling nauseous, the last thing you want is to worry about is the period products you use. Thinx period underwear offers comfy, reliable protection that helps you stay dry, so you can focus on managing premenstrual nausea.  

finding relief from premenstrual nausea 

While it might not be the most pleasant part of your menstrual cycle, knowing what’s causing it and how to ease nausea can make a big difference. 

If you’re also dealing with bladder leaks along with your premenstrual symptoms, our bladder leak underwear has you covered. This specialized underwear is designed to provide support and protection so you can feel confident and comfortable. With Thinx, you can focus on feeling better and managing your symptoms without worry.  

sources 

Medical News Today. What to Know About PMS Nausea. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321208  

Medical News Today. Nausea During Period: Causes and Treatment. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nausea-during-period 

Cleveland Clinic. What Is Stress Nausea and How to Deal With It. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-stress-nausea-and-how-to-deal-with-it 

Healthline. Nausea During Your Period: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/nausea-during-period#treatment 

A.Vogel. PMS and Nausea: What Causes Nausea Before a Period? https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/pms/symptoms/nausea/ 

Healthline. 17 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Nausea. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nausea-remedies