Nausea during your period

Changes around menstruation can affect the digestive tract, while cramps and pain can trigger nausea. Headache, loose stools, appetite changes or tiredness may occur at the same time. Nausea that is new, severe or unrelated to the menstrual pattern can instead reflect gastroenteritis, food poisoning, gastritis, acid reflux, gallstones, heat exhaustion, hepatitis A or low blood sugar. Pregnancy is also a possibility when bleeding is unusual or a period is late, so consider a test if relevant. The timing of symptoms helps a clinician distinguish these possibilities.

Sip fluids, eat small regular meals and avoid skipping food if an empty stomach worsens nausea. Gentle heat over the lower abdomen, rest and light movement may help cramps. Keep a diary of cycle dates, bleeding, pain, nausea, bowel changes, medicines and possible triggers. Use period pain medicine only as directed and check with a pharmacist if you have stomach, kidney or liver problems, take other medicines or could be pregnant. Do not rely on repeated self-treatment when symptoms are becoming stronger each cycle.

Seek urgent help for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, blood in vomit or stool, confusion, yellow skin or eyes, or inability to keep fluids down. Get prompt advice for possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding. Arrange a review if nausea lasts beyond the period, repeatedly disrupts school or work, begins after a new medicine, or comes with persistent vomiting, weight loss or fever.

Does the timing suggest menstrual nausea or another cause? Could my pain medicine be irritating my stomach? Should I take a pregnancy test or have other tests? What treatment is safe if I am trying to conceive?