Navigating PMS Nausea: A Guide for Women
A person’s body can undergo different changes during the menstrual cycle, and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is one of them.
However, PMS does not happen to everyone.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, three out of four women report having any of the PMS symptoms at some point in their lives.
Nausea is one of those symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome.
During PMS, nausea can occur for a variety of reasons.
For most women who feel nauseous during or before their periods, it’s just a typical symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome.
Continue reading the article to learn more about what causes PMS nausea and how to treat it.
What causes nausea during PMS
Nausea is one of the symptoms that happen during PMS, among other physical symptoms like abdominal bloating, cramps, and headache.
Although little research has been done on this subject, connections have been made between nausea and menstrual cycle.
A 2018 study was conducted on the Influence of the Phase Menstrual Cycle on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Breast Cancer Surgery.
It examined women undergoing general anesthesia for breast cancer surgery and discovered a connection between menstruation and vomiting.
Women, on their periods have a higher chance of feeling nauseous and throwing up after surgery.
Nausea during PMS can be caused for many reasons.
Some of them include
Hormonal changes
Menstrual periods happen during the luteal phase and the level of Prostaglandin increases during this phase.
Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that circulate during periods.
High levels of Prostaglandins can enter the bloodstream and cause nausea, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
These contractions assist in removing the uterine lining (endometrium) from the uterus, resulting in a period.
Dysmenorrhea and other PMS symptoms
PMS symptoms like Dysmenorrhea or painful cramps are among the most common reasons for nausea during periods.
Prostaglandins, produced in the uterine lining, are responsible for Dysmenorrhea.
Extreme pain during Dysmenorrhea can be uncomfortable and make one feel nauseous.
When there is severe back, stomach, leg, hip, and pelvic pain, or headache, one might also experience symptoms of nausea.
Conditions that can lead to nausea during periods
Some other conditions can also lead to nausea before periods, such as
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue resembling the uterine lining develops outside the uterus.
It can make getting pregnant difficult and cause excruciating pelvic pain, leading to nausea.
Endometriosis can develop during a person’s first menstrual cycle and persist through menopause.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
The premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe form of PMS.
Like PMS, it can also cause physical symptoms like nausea.
The symptoms might be due to other severe conditions like Endometriosis and PMDD.
PMS nausea vs. pregnancy nausea
Nausea is not a very common symptom of PMS.
But it is a very common symptom of pregnancy.
Almost 80% of pregnant women experience nausea, which can occur throughout the day.
It is important to keep track of the timings of nausea to help differentiate whether it is PMS nausea or pregnancy.
Pregnancy nausea and vomiting usually begin before nine weeks of pregnancy. For most women, it goes away by the 14th week.
In contrast, PMS nausea occurs shortly after ovulation and before the menstrual period begins.
Once the period begins, it usually goes away within a few days.
PMS nausea remedies
PMS symptoms like nausea typically go away in a few days once periods start.
But home remedies can help eliminate mild to moderate nausea.
Some of the home remedies for PMS nausea include:
- Ginger
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Fennel
- Cinnamon
- Acupressure
If the PMS nausea is severe, then the doctor might prescribe medications like:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Oral contraceptives
- Antibiotics
Takeaway
PMS nausea is a physical symptom of PMS.
Hormonal changes can cause nausea during PMS, other PMS symptoms, and other conditions like endometriosis and PMDD.
It can be confusing to differentiate between PMS nausea and pregnancy nausea, but keeping track of the timings can help you know the difference.
Home remedies like ginger or chamomile can be used in case of mild to moderate nausea.
The doctor may prescribe medications like NSAIDs or SSRIs for severe PMS nausea.
Consulting a specialist will help in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nausea a pms symptom?
Yes. Nausea is a PMS symptom. It can happen due to different hormonal changes that can trigger the levels of Prostaglandin. It generally goes away after a few days after the period starts.
How many days does PMS nausea last?
PMS nausea generally goes away within a few days after the periods start but might linger for up to six days.
What helps with PMS nausea?
Home remedies like Ginger tea, Peppermint tea, cinnamon, and fennel can help decrease Nausea during PMS. But, if the symptoms are severe, the doctor can prescribe medications like NSAIDs and antidepressants.
Is nausea a pre-pregnancy symptom?
Yes, nausea can be a pre-pregnancy symptom, along with missed periods, fatigue, etc. It can also be caused due to other factors like illness.
What does pregnancy nausea feel like?
Pregnancy can make one feel frequently nauseous; moreover, it can also cause vomiting or fatigue. Its symptoms can resemble the symptoms of PMS.
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