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.