Do you at times feel like you want to throw up before your period? You are not the only one! Many women experience different symptoms in the second half of their menstrual cycle. The period between ovulation and the start of your period may come with a bunch of symptoms referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
The most common symptoms include mood swings, headaches, fatigue, bloating and tender breasts. Although nausea affects many women during PMS, it's unfortunately not talked about enough hence many women do not understand if it’s a normal occurrence or if they need to seek medical advice.
Let's try to understand why it happens and how to deal with it…
What causes nausea?
Hormones! With PMS beginning a week or two before your period, hormonal changes trigger you to experience symptoms like sore breasts, headaches and constipation. The culprit is high levels of a group of chemicals called prostaglandin which tend to rise before your period. You are likely to experience painful cramps, and sharp pains in the abdomen, back, pelvis, hips and legs that may also make you feel like vomiting.
Two conditions may cause severe nausea during your period. They include:
Endometriosis - is a disorder in which tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity. The lining of your uterus is called the endometrium.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - is an infection of the female reproductive organs. The pelvis includes the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and uterus. What commonly occurs is that bacteria first enter the vagina and cause an infection.
How can I get rid of it?
Let us say, you already experience PMS nausea and are wondering what to do to get some relief. Here are a few things you could try:
Get fresh air or sit in front of a fan
Take a walk outside or do some light/moderate exercises for 30 minutes or so
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, toast, tea and applesauce
To keep your blood sugar steady, eat small meals throughout the day
Other alternatives you could try:
Ginger Tea
Chamomile Tea
Peppermint Tea
Not a fan of tea? then try out essential oils - Try to inhale some ginger, chamomile and peppermint essential oils instead.
Could I be pregnant?
We understand how easy it is to jump to conclusions the minute you feel some nausea. Especially if you know there could be a possibility of pregnancy. Instead of jumping to conclusions, it’s best to take a pregnancy test first to rule out the possibility. PMS and early pregnancy symptoms may feel very similar but it helps to know the difference between the two.
Should I be worried about my PMS nausea?
Honestly, no! It’s a PMS symptom like any other. Imagine being worried cycle after cycle whenever you experience other symptoms like fatigue, headache etc. While it might be frustrating to go through the same symptoms, remember it’s nothing you should panic about.
On the other hand, if you’ve never experienced nausea and it keeps getting more severe in each cycle then you can consider getting it checked to get to the root of the problem.
When should I see a doctor?
Here are a few things to consider:
You have never experienced nausea before your period.
If you have a fever, feel severe pain or have unusual discharge.
If you throw up to the extent where you feel dehydrated or lose weight.
Not sure where to find a doctor? Chat with Grace and we will connect you to one in no time at an affordable cost.
Takeaway
While PMS nausea is uncomfortable, it is usually nothing to worry about. Just another one of the many PMS symptoms. Lucky for you we’ve covered some practical remedies to help you find some relief. However, if you feel like the nausea is unusual or severe, seek medical attention. Remember only you know what’s normal for your body and what’s not.
With the help of Grace, you can track your Premenstrual symptoms and keep a record of all your experiences in your most trusted female health App!
Stay informed, stay in control. Do you experience nausea before your period? Could you share with us in the comments? Click here to download the Grace app