I've had it every month for the past few months, but it's only just now I've managed to figure out a sort of 'pattern'. Usually I wake in the middle of the night with intense stomach cramps, backpain and feeling like I'm going to vomit. I'll run for the bathroom in the dark, half asleep and there I'll stay for anywhere up to an hour - it is absolute hellish.
The feeling is very similar to morning sickness, which makes sense if the sick feeling is hormonal. I honestly thought my nausea days were over since my last pregnancy all those years ago. Alas, after doing a bit of research, that nauseous feeling may be here to stay. If only for a couple of days a month or so while menstruation is still hanging around.
Feeling nauseous during perimenopause, particularly around the time of your period, is not uncommon. This symptom can be attributed to several factors related to the hormonal changes occurring during perimenopause:
Hormonal Fluctuations: Perimenopause is marked by significant fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal changes can affect the digestive system and the brain's nausea centers, leading to feelings of nausea.
Prostaglandins: During menstruation, the body releases prostaglandins, which help the uterus contract to shed its lining. High levels of prostaglandins can cause more intense contractions, leading to cramps and gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea.
Stress and Anxiety: Perimenopause can be a stressful time due to the various physical and emotional changes. Increased stress and anxiety levels can contribute to nausea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: Hormonal changes can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased sensitivity or other digestive issues that might cause nausea.
Other Symptoms: Perimenopause often comes with other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, which can contribute to an overall feeling of unwellness, including nausea.
I'm still figuring out what to do with mine to be honest. I thought the nausea would have been gone by now, and guess what - I was wrong. I do know that food sensitivities play a part in my sickness, so now I've realized the pattern, I'll have to be extra vigilient about what I eat at various times of the month.
And that's what it's all about for me, at least. I get back to basics, pull it all apart and try and figure things out for myself. By process of elimination, what 'feels' right to me, a lot of research and what sounds plausible. Then I'll give it a go.
It it works, great. If it doesn't, I'll head back to the drawing board. But I'll always figure it out one way or another.
And if all else fails my fallback is to head over to my wellness Doctor.
If nausea is significantly impacting your quality of life, have a go at troubleshooting for yourself, or make some lifestyle adjustments to help manage your symptoms. If you'd prefer, consult with a a good women's healthcare provider who may be able to help determine if the nausea is related to perimenopause or if there might be another underlying cause.
At the end of the day, as long as we've covered all the bases, and put our health and wellbeing at the forefront, we'll always achieve success in our menopause journey.
One way or another.
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