It comes up whenever hormonal changes during menstrual cycles trigger the release of inflammatory compounds calledprostaglandins.
These chemicals not only induce nausea but also cause menstrual cramps.
Left untreated, these can lead to potentially severe complications.
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It can sometimes be hard to tell if nausea during periods is “normal” or “abnormal.”
What Causes of Nausea During Periods?
Nausea is common during the onset of PMS, which some people describe as “period flu.”
PMS is thought to be due to fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
The contractions, in turn, can cause menstrual cramps, otherwise known as dysmenorrhea.
These conditions interfere with the normal menstrual cycle, albeit in different ways.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is when endometrial tissues grow into the muscular wall of the uterus.
This enlarges the uterus, causing heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and pain.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroidsare benign growths that develop in the uterus or endometrium.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus.
Endometriosis can affect the ovaries andfallopian tubesand invade nearby organs, including the bowel and bladder.
Endometriosis can cause heavy bleeding or pain during sex or when urinating or having a bowel movement.
Nausea, constipation, and cramping are also common.
Nausea and vomiting are also common.
The disruption of hormones can also cause nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.
Early Pregnancy or PMS?
Early pregnancy and PMS can both cause breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea.
The difference is that with early pregnancy, these and othermorning sickness symptomstypically start around week six of gestation.
The one way to know for sure is totake a pregnancy test.
To determine the underlying cause, a healthcare provider will start by running blood work and performing apelvic exam.
Summary
Some nausea before and during your period is considered a normal PMS symptom.
Starting birth control pills can also cause nausea coupled with breakthrough bleeding.
Nausea may also be a sign of early pregnancy, which can be confirmed with a pregnancy test.
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