Why do you experience nausea before and during your period ?

As women, we know how unsettling these nausea symptoms and digestive issues can be for your comfort and health just before your period. Do you feel nauseous, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, a few days before the start of your menstrual cycle? It is often premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common hormonal disorder affecting 20% to 50% of women, typically 7 to 10 days before menstruation.

PMS can cause various symptoms: fatigue, headaches, bloating and digestive discomfort… and sometimes this nausea and stomach upset that fades as soon as your period begins.

During the luteal phase, progesterone and oestrogen influence digestion, while uterine prostaglandins increase painful contractions and slow intestinal transit. Added to this are serotonin fluctuations or magnesium deficiency, which can intensify nausea, vomiting and discomfort. Some women also experience breast tenderness or menstrual migraines caused by hormonal changes, which increase stress and digestive discomfort. If you recognise yourself in this situation, our natural solutions for PMS, dysmenorrhoea and menstrual pain may help reduce these symptoms.

Unlike pregnancy nausea, PMS-related nausea remains temporary and linked to the menstrual cycle and hormone fluctuations. However, if nausea and vomiting become very intense and disrupt daily life, it may be premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Severe menstrual pain and painful uterine contractions—often called dysmenorrhoea—can also suggest endometriosis. In that case, this gynaecological condition directly affects digestion and digestive comfort, and it is essential to consult a doctor to determine the cause and consider suitable solutions.

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

• During the luteal phase, progesterone dominates and slows transit: you may experience constipation, bloating, gas and other digestive issues.
• After ovulation and as your period starts, the hormonal drop and uterine prostaglandin release trigger painful contractions and speed up 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 some “excess” prostaglandins 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 painful and digestive symptoms that accompany painful periods.

These hormonal variations also influence your microbiota and the balance of your digestive system: an imbalance can amplify menstrual symptoms, nausea and other digestive issues. An adapted diet (fibre, anti-inflammatory foods) and healthy habits—stress management, gentle physical activity—are effective natural approaches to relieve discomfort and improve wellbeing.

Before turning to medication or hormonal treatment, several natural remedies can help relieve nausea and digestive discomfort:

• Ginger: as an infusion or fresh, its anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal properties support digestion, relieve nausea and improve digestive comfort.

• Peppermint: a herbal tea or a few drops of diluted essential oil can ease uterine spasms and stomach discomfort, reducing period-related nausea.

• Lemon balm: relaxing, it soothes the digestive system, limits uterine cramps and helps calm premenstrual stress.

• Heat: place a warm hot-water bottle on your lower abdomen to relax uterine muscles, relieve painful contractions and ease nausea.

• Hydration and light meals: drink at least 1.5 L of water per day and choose easy-to-digest foods (rice, cooked vegetables, fibre-rich fruits) to support digestion during your cycle.

• Gentle physical activity: a simple walk or light stretching improves circulation, reduces stress and supports digestive and uterine comfort.

Every woman is unique: do not hesitate to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for a personalised assessment, especially in case of dysmenorrhoea, suspected endometriosis or hormonal disorders.

Most of the time, nausea and other menstrual symptoms remain mild. However, certain warning signs and persistent menstrual pain should lead you to consult:

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

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

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

• New unusual digestive or uterine symptoms, more severe than usual.

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

A medical exam and a hormone panel can rule out conditions such as endometriosis or hormonal disorders and help propose an appropriate treatment (antiemetics, hormonal contraception, natural remedies, etc.). Your health and comfort come first.

Nausea before and during menstruation reflects the hormonal changes of your cycle—oestrogen drops, prostaglandin peaks and increased sensitivity of your digestive system. Simple natural solutions (anti-inflammatory plants, heat, adapted diet, gentle physical activity) can greatly relieve these symptoms and improve your comfort. PMS supplements or targeted remedies for painful dysmenorrhoea may also help if these digestive symptoms become disabling. If symptoms persist, become unusually intense, or endometriosis is suspected, consult a healthcare professional for personalised follow-up.