Why do you experience nausea before and during your period?

This kind of nausea and digestive discomfort can be particularly unsettling for your wellbeing and comfort in the days leading up to your period. If you experience nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, a few days before your menstrual cycle begins, this is often premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common hormonal imbalance affecting a large proportion of women of childbearing age, typically in the 7 to 10 days before menstruation.

PMS manifests through various symptoms: fatigue, headaches, bloating and digestive discomfort… and sometimes this nausea and stomach upset that eases as soon as your period arrives.

During the luteal phase, progesterone and oestrogen influence digestion, while uterine prostaglandins intensify painful contractions and slow digestive transit. Added to this are variations in serotonin or a magnesium deficiency, which can worsen nausea, vomiting and general discomfort. Some women also experience breast tenderness or migraines linked to hormonal variations in the cycle, which increase stress and digestive unease. If you recognise yourself in this situation, our natural solutions for premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhoea and menstrual pain may help ease these discomforts.

Unlike pregnancy-related nausea, PMS nausea is temporary and linked to the menstrual cycle and hormonal fluctuations. However, if this nausea and vomiting becomes very intense and disrupts your daily life, this may indicate premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Very painful menstrual cramps and uterine contractions, often referred to as dysmenorrhoea, can also point towards endometriosis. In such cases, this gynaecological condition can directly influence your digestion and digestive comfort, and it is essential to consult a doctor to identify the causes and explore suitable support.

Your digestive system responds to hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen and progesterone modulate intestinal motility and stomach sensitivity.

• In the luteal phase, progesterone dominates and slows digestive transit: you may experience constipation, bloating, gas and other digestive discomforts.
• After ovulation and as your period begins, the hormonal drop and the release of uterine prostaglandins trigger painful contractions and accelerate transit, which can cause intestinal cramps, diarrhoea and digestive discomfort. In addition, a bloated belly during your period is common due to these hormonal changes and associated stress.

It is worth noting that certain prostaglandins produced in excess and released during dysmenorrhoea can circulate throughout the body and directly affect the stomach, causing severe nausea and sometimes vomiting. These hormonal compounds are one of the main causes of the painful and digestive symptoms that accompany painful periods.

These hormonal variations also influence your microbiome and the balance of the digestive system: an imbalance can amplify menstrual symptoms, nausea and other digestive discomforts. A suitable diet (fibre, anti-inflammatory foods) and a healthy lifestyle, including stress management and gentle physical activity, are effective natural approaches to support these discomforts and improve your overall comfort.

Before considering medical support, several natural approaches can help accompany your nausea and digestive discomfort:

• Ginger: as an infusion or fresh, its anti-inflammatory properties and recognised effects on gastro-intestinal comfort help support digestion and ease nausea.

• Lemon balm: relaxing in nature, it contributes to soothing the digestive system and easing premenstrual stress, thereby supporting greater day-to-day comfort.

• Heat: place a warm heat pad on your lower abdomen to relax the uterine muscles, relieve painful contractions and ease nausea.

• Hydration and light meals: drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day and favour easily digestible foods (rice, cooked vegetables, fibre-rich fruits) to support your digestion throughout the cycle.

• Gentle physical activity: a simple walk or a few stretches promotes circulation, reduces stress and improves digestive and uterine comfort.

Every woman is different: do not hesitate to speak to a doctor or healthcare professional for a personalised assessment, particularly in cases of dysmenorrhoea, suspected endometriosis or hormonal imbalances.

In most cases, nausea and other menstruation-related symptoms remain benign. However, certain warning signs and persistent menstrual pain should prompt you to seek advice:

• Very intense menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea) accompanied by frequent nausea and vomiting.

• Painful or digestive symptoms that worsen or persistently disrupt your comfort and daily life.

• Heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual bleeding lasting beyond 7 days.

• The appearance of new, unusual digestive or uterine symptoms, more severe than usual.

• Persistent fatigue associated with sleep disturbances, recurrent dizziness or excessive stress, which may be linked to a hormonal imbalance.

Personalised medical follow-up makes it possible to identify underlying causes and explore the solutions best suited to your situation. Your health and comfort come first.