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Why do I feel nauseous in my stomach during menstrual cramps?

Asked by:Botts

Asked on:Apr 02, 2026 03:43 AM

Answers:1 Views:470
  • Odin Odin

    Apr 02, 2026

    Nausea during dysmenorrhea is usually related to factors such as increased prostaglandin secretion and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Symptoms that may accompany dysmenorrhea include primary dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, gastroenteritis, fluctuations in hormone levels, and mental stress. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to determine the cause of the disease and follow the doctor's instructions for targeted treatment.

    1. Primary dysmenorrhea

    Excessive secretion of prostaglandins is the main cause of primary dysmenorrhea. Excessive prostaglandins may stimulate the contraction of uterine smooth muscle and act on the gastrointestinal mucosa to cause nausea and vomiting. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets or naproxen sodium capsules can be used as directed by your doctor to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Patients should avoid raw or cold food during menstruation and use hot water bottles to apply heat to the lower abdomen to relieve cramps.

    2. Endometriosis

    Ectopic endometrium may irritate the celiac plexus and cause nausea through referred visceral pain, often accompanied by progressively worsening dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia. Laparoscopy is required to confirm the diagnosis, and hormonal drugs such as ethinyl estradiol cyproterone tablets and dienogest tablets can be selected for treatment, or laparoscopic surgery to remove the lesion can be considered. Daily strenuous exercise should be avoided as it may aggravate pelvic congestion.

    3.Gastroenteritis

    Decreased immunity during menstruation may induce gastroenteritis. Nausea and vomiting may occur when the gastric mucosa is stimulated by inflammation, which may be superimposed with symptoms of dysmenorrhea. It can be detected for routine identification, and drugs such as aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets, bifidobacterium triple live bacteria capsules or montmorillonite powder are commonly used for treatment. It is recommended to pay attention to dietary hygiene during menstruation and eat small and frequent meals to avoid aggravating the gastrointestinal burden.

    4. Hormone level fluctuations

    Drastic changes in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle may affect gastrointestinal motility function, and the increase in progesterone in the luteal phase will delay gastric emptying. This physiological nausea is usually mild and can be alleviated by drinking ginger tea and supplementing vitamin B6. In severe cases, metoclopramide tablets can be used for a short period of time to regulate gastrointestinal motility.

    5. Mental stress

    The anxiety and tension caused by dysmenorrhea may affect gastrointestinal function through the brain-gut axis, leading to functional dyspepsia. It is recommended to relax through abdominal breathing, meditation and other methods, and if necessary, use anti-anxiety drugs such as lorazepam tablets for a short period of time under the guidance of a doctor. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise can help regulate autonomic nervous system function.

    During dysmenorrhea accompanied by nausea, you should choose warm, soft and easy-to-digest foods such as millet porridge and yam puree, and avoid spicy and high-fat diets. Keep the daily water intake at 1500-2000 ml. You can drink brown sugar ginger tea in moderation to relieve symptoms. If nausea and vomiting persist for more than 24 hours or symptoms of dehydration occur, seek medical attention immediately to rule out other organic diseases. Recording menstrual cycles and symptom changes can help doctors diagnose the condition and avoid long-term self-administration of painkillers to cover up the condition.