Why Do I Get Nausea and Vomiting with Period Pain and How Can I Stop It?

More Answer For You

Periods can cause nausea because the pain-triggering chemicals (prostaglandins) enter the bloodstream, travel to the brain and activate the brainstem which is the brain’s control center for nausea and vomiting.

Nausea and vomiting during periods are key signs that your body is producing an excess of the pain chemicals called prostaglandins – the same chemicals responsible for painful periods (primary dysmenorrhea)—making nausea and vomiting the core symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.

Causes of nausea and vomiting during periods:

  1. The main function of prostaglandins is to cause uterine contractions and help shed the lining of the uterus. However when prostaglandins are produced in excess, they enter the bloodstream and travel to various organs, including the brainstem.
  2. The brainstem is the lowest part of the brain responsible for basic, involuntary functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
  3. The prostaglandins activate two specific areas in the brainstem: the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ) and the Vomiting Center. When the CTZ is activated, it signals the final vomiting center, which directly causes nausea.
  4. Think of it like a “vomiting switch” in your brainstem. Once that switch is flipped, it immediately causes the feelings of nausea and vomiting.

Stopping Nausea and Vomiting During Periods

For immediate relief, you must directly target the source – excess production of prostaglandins. Take a doctor-prescribed NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) early to block the production of prostaglandins.

When to Seek Help

If vomiting is severe or also occurs when you are not menstruating, consult a gynaecologist immediately.

Explanation of why some people experience nausea during periods and vomiting during menstruation. It states that menstrual cramps and period pain can cause nausea, because prostaglandins, the chemicals responsible for severe period cramps, enter the bloodstream and trigger the brainstem’s nausea and vomiting control center. It notes that menstrual nausea and vomiting usually occur alongside very painful periods and indicate that the body is producing excess prostaglandins. For immediate relief, it recommends taking a doctor-prescribed NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) early to block excess prostaglandin production and reduce period pain. The graphic ends with the campaign message "STOP The Period Pain." Which is a knowledge initiative campaign by Blue Cross Laboratories the makers of meftal spas.

Your Journey to #StopThePeriodPain Starts Here

Every month, millions of Indian girls & women suffer in silence, told that their severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) is “normal.” Our mission is to break that silence. #StopThePeriodPain campaign is here to empower you with 3 simple truths:

More Answer For You

Period Pain Calculator Section

Hit Up Our Period Pain Calculator

For real, how bad is your pain? Our interactive tool uses a 1-10 pain scale and a few quick questions to help you get the full picture. In just a few clicks, you’ll know if your pain is a chill or a major red flag.

Calculate Your Period Pain Score

References:

  1. Boroondara Osteopathy – Why do I feel low back pain during my period?