How to deal with nausea during your period

May 16, 2023

Understanding Nausea During Your Period

Before diving into ways to deal with nausea during your period, it's important to understand why this symptom occurs in the first place. Menstrual nausea is often caused by hormonal changes that take place during your cycle, specifically the fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can affect your digestive system, leading to feelings of nausea and even vomiting. It's also common for nausea to be triggered by other period symptoms, such as cramps and bloating. In this article, we'll explore various methods to help you manage and reduce nausea during your period.

Finding Relief with Over-the-Counter Medications

One of the most common ways to deal with nausea during your period is by using over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids, can help neutralize stomach acid and alleviate nausea. Additionally, anti-nausea medications like Dramamine or Bonine can also provide relief. However, it's essential to follow the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional if you're unsure about which medication is right for you.

Staying Hydrated to Combat Nausea

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining overall health, and it's especially important during your period. Staying hydrated can help prevent nausea by aiding in digestion and reducing bloating. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, and consider adding lemon or ginger slices for added nausea-fighting benefits.

Trying Natural Remedies and Supplements

Many women find relief from nausea during their period by using natural remedies and supplements. Ginger has long been used as a remedy for nausea, and can be consumed in various forms, such as tea, candies, or capsules. Peppermint is another popular option, known for its soothing effects on the digestive system. Additionally, vitamin B6 supplements have been shown to help some women reduce nausea during their period. As with any supplement or remedy, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting a new regimen.

Practicing Relaxation Techniques

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate nausea during your period, so practicing relaxation techniques can be beneficial in reducing this symptom. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are all effective ways to calm your mind and body. Set aside time each day during your period to practice these techniques, and consider incorporating them into your daily routine even when you're not menstruating for overall stress reduction.

Applying Heat to Alleviate Discomfort

Applying heat to your abdomen can help alleviate both cramps and nausea during your period. The warmth helps to relax the muscles in your abdomen, reducing cramping and improving blood flow. Consider using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm towel to provide comfort and relief. Be sure to use caution and avoid burns by placing a barrier, such as a cloth or towel, between your skin and the heat source.

Maintaining a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet during your period can help reduce nausea by stabilizing blood sugar levels and providing essential nutrients. Aim to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoiding large, heavy meals and opting for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can also help keep nausea at bay. Additionally, try to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can worsen nausea.

Getting Regular Exercise

While it might be the last thing you feel like doing when you're nauseous, getting regular exercise can help alleviate period-related nausea. Exercise can improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and release endorphins, which can help improve your mood and reduce discomfort. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, and consider low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga during your period.

Considering Hormonal Treatments

If your nausea is severe and consistently impacts your quality of life, it's essential to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. In some cases, hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or patches, can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms like nausea. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if hormonal treatments are a suitable option for your specific situation.

Keeping a Symptom Journal

Tracking your period symptoms, including nausea, can be helpful in identifying patterns and triggers. Keeping a journal can help you better understand your body and make it easier to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. Note the severity of your nausea, any potential triggers, and any remedies or techniques that provide relief. Over time, you may begin to notice trends that can help you better manage your nausea during your period.

15 Comments

Kyle Tampier
May 17, 2023 AT 07:24

This article is a joke. They don't want you to know the real cause: glyphosate in your food. The FDA knows. They're covering it up. You think ginger helps? It's just a placebo while Big Pharma sells you pills.
Tom Caruana
May 17, 2023 AT 22:42

omg i had nausea so bad last month i cried in the bathroom for 20 mins 😭 my mom said it's just 'girl problems' but i know it's the moon phases. the moon is evil. 🌕⚡
Muzzafar Magray
May 18, 2023 AT 23:32

You all are wasting time with ginger and heating pads. In India, we just drink warm water with salt and accept suffering as part of life. This Western need for solutions is pathetic.
Renee Williamson
May 20, 2023 AT 09:04

I tried everything. Ginger tea? No. Peppermint? Nope. Heating pad? I melted my couch. Then I found out my ex’s new girlfriend is a gynecologist and she’s been poisoning my tea. I’m not crazy. I have receipts.
Manish Mehta
May 21, 2023 AT 14:43

I just drink water and rest. Works for me. No need to overthink.
Okechukwu Uchechukwu
May 22, 2023 AT 17:41

The real issue here isn't nausea. It's capitalism. We've been conditioned to treat symptoms instead of questioning why women's bodies are treated like malfunctioning machines. The system wants you medicated, not empowered.
Sarah Cline
May 24, 2023 AT 09:55

You got this!! Seriously, try yoga. I used to be a mess during my period, now I do 10 minutes of breathing and feel like a goddess. You're not broken-you're just under-supported. Go easy on yourself 💪🌸
Sierra Thompson
May 24, 2023 AT 13:54

Nausea during menstruation is not merely a physiological event-it is an existential confrontation with the cyclical nature of biological decay. The body, in its infinite wisdom, reminds us that we are temporary vessels. The remedies listed are distractions from this truth.
Khaled El-Sawaf
May 25, 2023 AT 19:24

While the article presents a superficial overview, it fails to address the systemic neglect of menstrual health in clinical research. The FDA has approved fewer than 12 medications specifically for menstrual nausea since 1980. This is not an oversight-it is institutional indifference.
Nawal Albakri
May 27, 2023 AT 11:09

They say ginger helps? LOL. I tried it. Then my mom said I was being dramatic and made me eat curry. Now I’m crying on the floor with heartburn AND nausea. Why does everyone think they’re a doctor? I hate this. I hate all of you. 😤
Megan Oftedal
May 29, 2023 AT 00:42

I read this whole thing and I'm still nauseous. Honestly, I think the problem is that no one listens. We just get told to 'take a pill' or 'drink water' like we're toddlers. What about real research? What about funding? This is lazy.
Musa Aminu
May 30, 2023 AT 10:44

In Nigeria, we don't have this problem. We eat pounded yam, pray, and move on. This Western obsession with comfort is weakening our people. You think you're sick? Try living without clean water.
robert maisha
June 1, 2023 AT 02:44

The hormonal fluctuations referenced are but one layer of a complex neuroendocrine feedback system influenced by circadian rhythm, environmental estrogens, and psychosocial stressors. The article reduces a multidimensional phenomenon to a checklist of remedies. This is not understanding. This is simplification.
Alexander Ståhlberg
June 1, 2023 AT 08:40

I've been suffering for 17 years. I've tried everything. Every single thing. I've kept journals. I've seen specialists. I've done acupuncture. I've gone gluten-free. I've tried CBD. I've meditated. I've screamed into pillows. And still, every month, I wake up feeling like my stomach is being eaten by a shark. And then I read articles like this and I just... stop caring. Because they don't get it. None of you do.
Robert Andersen
June 2, 2023 AT 23:27

I think the real solution is just to stop pretending periods are something to 'fix'. They're natural. Maybe the nausea is your body telling you to slow down. Maybe the answer isn't more pills or tea-it's more rest. And permission to not be productive.