Why Do I Feel Nauseous When On My Period?

Let’s face it –– periods are already a bit of a rollercoaster, and as if dealing with cramps and mood swings weren’t enough, along comes nausea to really spice things up. Period nausea is one of those period symptoms that can make an already tough time feel even more challenging. 

So, why do you feel nausea before your period? Let’s explore reasons why this might be happening.  

the difference between period nausea and premenstrual nausea 

Premenstrual nausea is the queasiness that hits before your period, while period nausea happens during your period. While both can make you feel like your stomach’s auditioning for a role in a disaster movie, they’re triggered by slightly different factors. 

Do you feel nausea before your period? Premenstrual nausea may come as part of the package with premenstrual syndrome or PMS. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s about to go down!” as your hormonal changes ramp up in preparation for your menstrual period. This type of nausea might hit you alongside other signs like mood changes, food cravings, and period bloating.  

On the other hand, period nausea — the kind that shows up during your menstrual period — can either be linked to those hormonal changes or physical symptoms and pain that accompany menstruation, like cramps or abdominal pain. The intensity of these symptoms can differ from person to person, but the result is the same: you feel nauseous, and it’s no fun at all. 

For those approaching perimenopause, being on your period and feeling nauseous might also become more common as your hormones start to fluctuate even more dramatically. 

common causes of nausea during your period 

Being on your period and feeling nauseous can make it tough to go about your day, but understanding the causes may be able to help you find relief. Let’s break down some of the most common causes: 

hormonal changes  

Hormones play a huge role in period nausea. Right before and during your period, your body experiences fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, which may also affect your digestive system. Right before your period, progesterone levels tend to peak. While progesterone is busy preparing your body for a possible pregnancy, it also slows down your digestion. This leads to that queasy feeling in your stomach. It’s almost like your hormones are throwing a party, and your stomach wasn’t invited! 

prostaglandins  

These hormone-like substances are released during your period to help your uterus shed its lining. Unfortunately, they can also cause your stomach and intestines to contract more than usual, which might lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or even diarrhea. So, yes, prostaglandins are basically overachievers that make sure your period isn’t just about menstrual bleeding — they want to get your whole digestive system involved. 

gastrointestinal effects  

Your period can also have a direct effect on your digestive system. You might notice changes in your bowel habits, constipation, increased bloating or gas, which can all contribute to nausea. And if you’re already experiencing irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, your period can make those symptoms even worse. On the flip side, constipation can cause bloating and discomfort, which might leave you feeling nauseous as your body struggles to digest food properly. 

pain and cramps  

Let’s not forget the impact that period pain and menstrual cramps can bring during this time. Severe pelvic pain and painful cramps can also cause your body to go into a bit of a stress mode, which can trigger nausea.  

when to seek medical advice for period nausea 

While period nausea is a common experience during your period, there are times when it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms that make it hard to keep food or fluids down, or if your nausea is accompanied by heavy bleeding and severe pain that can no longer be relieved by over-the-counter medications, it’s worth getting it checked out. In some cases, constant or severe nausea could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or a  gastrointestinal issue. 

Additionally, if you notice other common symptoms like a missed period, extreme fatigue, or unusual vaginal discharge, it might be time to rule out pregnancy symptoms. Remember, early pregnancy symptoms can sometimes mimic period symptoms, so if there’s any chance you could be pregnant, consider taking a pregnancy test to be sure. 

managing nausea during your period 

How can you manage and ease nausea during your period and make this time a little less miserable? Here are a few strategies that might help: 

• stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and to help keep nausea at bay.  

• eat small, frequent meals - Instead of three large meals, try eating smaller portions throughout the day. This can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and lessen nausea. Also, make sure to eat healthy, menstrual phase foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and fatty fish, that can help manage period symptoms. 

• rest and relax - Stress can also make nausea worse, so take some time to unwind. Sometimes what helps with period nausea is simply finding a comfortable position and resting until the feeling passes. You may also try other forms of relaxation like curling up to watch a good movie or going on a quick stroll. Whatever it may be, give yourself permission to rest. 

• wear comfortable period products - Thinx period underwear can be pretty helpful when you’re dealing with menstrual symptoms like nausea. Not only do they offer reliable protection, but they’re also super comfortable, so you can focus on feeling better. instead of worrying about leaks,. 

finding relief from period nausea 

There you have it — a rundown on period nausea, why it happens, and what you can do about it. While it might not be the most delightful part of your menstrual cycle, understanding the connection between your hormones and digestive system can help you manage these symptoms more effectively. With this a few helpful information strategies from Thinx, you’re now you’ll be better equipped to tackle the queasiness head-on. 

sources 

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

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The Role of Stress and the Gut in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901893/ 

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