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What Can Cause Vomiting with a Period?

By Marlene Garcia
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 117,492
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Vomiting with a period might be caused by a condition called dysmenorrhea, which could create abdominal pain severe enough to disrupt a woman’s normal activities. If the pain becomes intense, it could lead to nausea and vomiting, headache, or diarrhea. Inflammation of the uterus and support muscles might also cause this problem in some women. Menstrual migraines with severe pain could also lead to upset stomach and regurgitation.

Symptoms of dysmenorrhea might stem from an underlying condition unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus that might become quite large, might result in pain severe enough to cause vomiting during a period. Endometriosis, which is tissue outside the womb that becomes inflamed and bleeds during menstruation, might also be present. Women who suffer from nausea or other digestive problems when menstruating should check with a medical professional to discover the actual cause.

Menstrual pain might occur during ovulation, which begins around day 12 of a woman's menstrual cycle, or persist throughout the five to seven days of a typical period. Discomfort is generally felt in the lower abdomen, but it might spread to the lower back. Severe pain might lead to vomiting, especially if a menstrual migraine develops.

A menstrual migraine occurs when estrogen levels change during ovulation and menstruation. These hormones are secreted by the endocrine system and control various bodily functions linked to a woman’s period. Migraines causing vomiting might be treated with non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication. They might be prevented by higher doses of drugs right before menstruation begins.

Pelvic infection might also cause vomiting, pain, and other symptoms during menstruation. Some women suffer complications from prior abdominal surgery that might mimic signs of dysmenorrhea. A medical professional can rule out these causes of pain and vomiting through a thorough physical examination or tests.

When a woman menstruates, contractions and spasms of the uterus release chemicals known as prostaglandins. The release of these chemicals might create excess acid that leads to inflammation. Some women use hot compresses or massage to relax abdominal muscles and ease spasms. Hormone supplements are also used to regulate hormone levels causing discomfort.

Natural remedies for vomiting with a period can include chamomile flower tea to calm nausea, and it might also reduce the severity of cramping. Ginger root can be chewed or steeped in a tea to decrease inflammation and acid. Another herbal remedy consists of ground cumin seeds, usually taken before food with a glass of water.

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Discussion Comments
By anon990937 — On May 17, 2015

I'm from Singapore and am 39 this year. I was diagnosed with endometriosis 10 years ago. I had tissue two times removed by laparoscopy and endoscopy. I didn't have any major menses problems prior to both operations despite listening to my gyno and had them removed. Regrettably, my horrible symptoms starts from fatigue to severe nausea/vomiting/pain. From beginning for first day period to current severe vomiting for 3-7 days even before the menses come.

Buddha blessed that I had Chinese acupuncture on my tummy three times a week last year and eventually I have now no pain during period but still I cannot work and the endometriosis is seriously affecting my life. I somehow feel I only live three weeks a month, and one week in hell. What can I do now is try to avoid cold stuff and fruits that causes 'damp' in the body and drink a lot of ginger teas as what TCM believe.

By anon989759 — On Mar 20, 2015

I used to have the exact same problem when I got my period at the age of 12. I went to the doctor, who was useless, and they gave me stronger painkillers and tablets to prevent nausea but it just made it worse. When I was 13 I decided to go on the pill as the doctor said it was most likely down to my hormones being unbalanced. I recommend trying contraceptives. I'm now 17 and have moved to the depo shot. It's worth it if you have had enough of the pain and nausea each month.

By anon968309 — On Sep 02, 2014

@anon338837: I have the exact same problem. I usually take the first and second day off. I would vomit approximately 10-15 times a day and would become extremely tired (this would last from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.). I would have a really horrid case of changing what temperature I am within minutes (either very cold or hot). The vomiting comes up at any given minute and also activates if I even move my sleeping position slightly.

The best thing I could recommend to stop the pain and nausea is to apply a hot bean bag on the area and to drink herbal tea (preferably peppermint). The key point is to change your diet, it could be very unhealthy or it could lack protein. My case was protein (I'm a vegetarian) and I was quite thin.

By anon951436 — On May 15, 2014

I was 12 when I first began with my menstrual cycle. The first day was heavy bleeding, vomiting, severe cramping, diarrhea, hot and cold spells. I am 29 now. So this has become my life. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS so the fibroid issue seems to make sense. It's annoying though, as throughout all these years, I just haven't had one of those happy periods. Wish I could say things will get better. I'm just hoping for menopause to kick in so no more monthly nightmare. Just letting you know you're not the only one and I feel your pain.

By anon945149 — On Apr 11, 2014

I am 14 years of age and have had my period since I was 11. From day one, it was excruciatingly painful and nothing I could do would stop it. This pain would last for about four or five days.

If I have my period, I cannot attend school or do anything because of the seriousness of the constant pain.

Recently I have started throwing up and having huge fever, dizziness, etc. Are there any recommendations?

By anon935607 — On Feb 26, 2014

I too have the same problem. Once my period starts, I cannot eat or drink anything. If I do, the pain worsens and it won't subside until I vomit what I had, even water. It all comes out. The pain lasts for almost 8-10 hours and I can't eat for about 18-20 hours. After this period, I feel very hungry.

I had an abdominal scan, etc., but nothing was wrong. I also feel so tired and sleepy I practically can't do any work during the first day.

By amypollick — On Oct 23, 2013

@anon352456: First, if there's a problem with your periods, you have *no* reason to feel guilty. You can't help it if there's something going on with your body.

It just takes some women longer to conceive than it does others, but with this kind of pain and nausea, you *need* to see a gynecologist. You need some answers to your questions, and only a doctor can give them to you.

Please don't be ashamed or embarrassed to see a doctor about your situation. You're not the only person who has ever had this problem. You're not the only person your doctor has ever seen with this problem. You're not going to tell him or her anything they haven't heard before. Doctors have seen it all. Please get this checked out. Good luck.

By anon352456 — On Oct 23, 2013

I am 26 years old and am suffering from severe vomiting and stomach pain during my periods. The first two days of my period are so bad that I can't eat or even drink water. I am in bed for three days. How can I throw up even if I drink only water?

I have been suffering with this for years. Can anyone tell me anything about this and please help me with this and tell me what the actual problem is.

I've been married eight months and am very worried that I have not conceived yet. I am mentally very stressed and feeling guilty that there is some severe issue with my periods. Can you please help me with a solution?

By anon339037 — On Jun 19, 2013

Since I developed a small fibroid in 2009, I've had increased pain during periods, heavy bleeding and faintness. I only vomit if I drink alcohol from day one of my period, so I just avoid that, eat simple, healthy food and take ibuprofen. If I'm stressed, it's worse. I also try massaging acupressure points on my feet (you can find info on reflexology online) and that can ease pain and be comforting to some extent. But frankly, I'd be scared if I didn't have ibuprofen during my period.

By anon338837 — On Jun 18, 2013

I do puke, but it's usually on the first day only. I can't hold anything on my stomach; even water came back up. It hurts so bad that I am not able to lift up small things such as a trash bag. After eight hours, I feel better and of course very hungry.

By irontoenail — On Dec 20, 2012

If you've already tried everything else and you know that there's nothing medically wrong, you might just be letting yourself get too stressed over the period itself.

Nausea can become associated with particular things, including having your period. And it's difficult to break an association like that even if there's no physical cause for it.

By MrsPramm — On Dec 19, 2012

It's only been in the last couple of decades that endometriosis was really taken seriously, which is bad because it's seriously painful, to the point where it could be debilitating.

But when women complained about this pain, people would tell them it was just their cross to bear as women, rather than an actual medical condition.

If you get pain and feel sick during your period, go and see a doctor. Don't let people tell you that you're imagining it, or making it out to be worse than it is. Even some doctors will still do this. But, it is a legitimate condition, with a physical cause and you don't have to put up with that kind of discrimination.

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