What Causes Nausea When You Have Your Period?

Many women suffer from discomfort during their menstrual period. Bloating, fatigue, cramping and nausea are all common symptoms that women may experience.

Identification

• Menstrual flow is different for each woman, but usually occurs between day 28 and day 34 of the monthly menstrual cycle. On average, menstrual flow lasts about 4 days. A period that lasts longer than 7 days, in considered a prolonged period.

Dysmenorrhea

• Dysmenorrhea is a common problem that affects many women each month. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramping, and headache during the menstrual period. In most cases of dysmenorrhea, doctors cannot find any physical reasons with reproductive organs. Doctors have speculated that the cause of this condition, is the release of natural substances called prostaglandins. This may cause contractions of the uterine walls, resulting in unpleasant symptoms such as nausea.

Endometriosis

• Endometriosis can cause nausea during the menstrual period. Other symptoms of this condition include, diarrhea, bloating, sharp rectal pain, pain during bowel movements and abdominal cramping. This condition is diagnosed during a laparoscopy, when the doctor looks into the area of the reproductive organs with a scope. When endometriosis is present, the doctor may see endometrial implants on or around the ovaries, fallopian tubes or in the wall of the bowel.

Treatment

• In most cases of nausea during a woman's menstrual period, relief may come when abdominal pain is under control. Treating menstrual symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers may help control the pain and reduce nausea.

Considerations

• Many women experience nausea and pain during their period. It is important to seek medical care if the pain is worse than usual, vomiting is severe, or if there is sharp, stabbing pain.