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How Common is Nausea During Menopause?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Although not one of the more well-known symptoms, nausea during menopause is a fairly common phenomenon. It is not fully understood why some women develop nausea, and sometimes vomiting, during this time, but it is believed it probably has something to do with dramatic fluctuations in hormones. This is similar to the morning sickness women experience during early pregnancy. As with morning sickness, nausea associated with menopause may be exacerbated by certain things and usually subsides over time.

There is no actual cure for nausea during menopause, although there are some treatments which may help. Eating six small meals a day instead of three large ones is one tactic, and it works because it keeps blood sugar steady throughout the day. Saltine crackers ginger, staying hydrated, and sucking on hard candies are other methods. For very severe nausea, especially if it is accompanied my vomiting or other digestive upset, a prescription anti-nausea medication may be given to alleviate symptoms.

Saltines are often eaten to help reduce nausea.
Saltines are often eaten to help reduce nausea.

As with other symptoms, nausea during menopause may be helped with the use of certain hormonal replacement or endocrine support therapies. These can include synthetic hormones, herbal remedies, and eating a menopause approved diet plan. Some women may choose to use a combination of these methods.

It is not known exactly how many women experience nausea during menopause, as it is a less frequently discussed side effect. That said, it is a fairly common condition and likely affects millions of women at any given time. As with any hormonal condition, each woman will react to the fluctuations common with menopause in very different ways. Women may experience severe nausea and vomiting while others may not have any stomach issues at all.

Menopause is a natural process of the reproductive system that signifies the end of a woman's fertility and menstrual cycles.
Menopause is a natural process of the reproductive system that signifies the end of a woman's fertility and menstrual cycles.

Aside from nausea, other digestive problems are also common during menopause. Diarrhea, heartburn, and more frequent indigestion are also typical during this time. In addition, many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and sometimes water retention. These can be treated by a physician and are usually alleviated when menopause is complete.

Some menopausal women experience no symptoms other than the gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle.
Some menopausal women experience no symptoms other than the gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle.

Nausea that does not subside with proper treatment or in the postmenopausal period may be due to another health condition. An exam by a doctor should be completed to ensure that there are not digestive problems or other complications that require treatment. Women should also be aware that a lack of nausea or other common menopausal symptoms is not a problem and can also be considered normal.

Discussion Comments

tracer

I am 47 years old, and I had 23 days of solid nausea, and after my blood work, abdominal US, stool sample, I am as healthy as can be! I just had my latest menses only 16 days apart and severe nausea this weekend causing to miss work. Please help me with survival tips as I go through the testing process with my Doctor.

anon310944

I have morning nausea and sometimes vomiting. It's fairly severe and lasts well into late morning. It's accompanied by dizziness, sweating, and overall digestive upset. I'm going to try the suggestions posted here.

If anyone knows anything else that helps, I would appreciate it highly. This is out of control and I feel like I lose half a day every day it happens.

SarahSon

@honeybees - I would have a talk with your doctor - that is a good place to start anyway. I have a doctor who is very open to other alternatives besides synthetic hormones.

There are some good natural alternatives that are available that should help you feel better without long term side effects.

Nausea was one of those symptoms that surprised me too. In order to control my weight and keep my stomach from getting upset, I try eating many small meals throughout the day. This is actually much better than eating one or two big meals.

I also keep some peppermint candy in my purse which I have found soothing after eating a meal. One of my biggest symptoms of menopause is sweating. I am using a natural progesterone cream to help with this.

If you work with your doctor and find a compounding pharmacy, you should be able to find solutions so you aren't so miserable.

honeybees

Well, where do I start? I am currently going through menopause, and think I have had every symptom that was mentioned.

The only thing I can think of, is I hope there is an end to all of these crazy changes. I had always heard of women having hot flashes and night sweats and being irritable, so I was expecting to have those symptoms.

I was more surprised about the digestive problems and nausea. My nausea isn't that bad, but is something I never had before unless I had the flu.

Between the heartburn and sleep issues, I don't feel like I ever get a good night's sleep. That might be one thing that contributes to my mood swings.

I have heard so much conflicting information about hormones, that I don't know if I should try them to alleviate some of these symptoms or not.

LisaLou

I also experienced some nausea when I went through menopause. I think hormones played an indirect role in my nausea.

One of my biggest complaints during this time was extremely bad headaches. These were bad enough that many times they caused be to be nauseated.

My doctor told me many women have bad headaches like this during menopause, and they are related to all the changes taking place inside your body.

I also had weight gain during menopause that was very frustrating. Up until that point I was able to keep my weight pretty steady. Once I started going through menopause, it seems like I started gaining weight, and it was impossible to take it off.

The headaches and nausea eventually went away, but I am still struggling with trying to get the weight off.

sunshined

I had nausea during perimenopause and all the way through menopause. If this is related to hormones, it makes sense because I had nausea with every one of my pregnancies.

It was pretty frustrating when I learned this was a fairly common symptom. I was hoping going through this when I was pregnant was enough.

Hormones play a huge role in our bodies, and they can have such different effects on people. One of my friends really had mood swings and night sweats, but she never experienced any nausea.

On the other hand, I rarely had night sweats or big mood swings during this time. Going through menopause is a long process, and for me, I am glad it's over.

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    • Saltines are often eaten to help reduce nausea.
      By: Leonid Nyshko
      Saltines are often eaten to help reduce nausea.
    • Menopause is a natural process of the reproductive system that signifies the end of a woman's fertility and menstrual cycles.
      By: xiaofoto
      Menopause is a natural process of the reproductive system that signifies the end of a woman's fertility and menstrual cycles.
    • Some menopausal women experience no symptoms other than the gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Some menopausal women experience no symptoms other than the gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle.
    • Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended for cases of severe menopausal discomfort.
      By: forestpath
      Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended for cases of severe menopausal discomfort.
    • Nausea is less discussed than more common symptoms like hot flashes.
      By: brankatekic
      Nausea is less discussed than more common symptoms like hot flashes.
    • Poor dietary habits may exacerbate nausea symptoms during menopause.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Poor dietary habits may exacerbate nausea symptoms during menopause.
    • Lack of exercise may exacerbate nausea symptoms during menopause.
      By: espion
      Lack of exercise may exacerbate nausea symptoms during menopause.
    • A lack of nausea or other menopause symptoms is normal and not a reason to be concerned.
      By: rob3000
      A lack of nausea or other menopause symptoms is normal and not a reason to be concerned.
    • Ginger can be helpful for treating nausea.
      By: GIS
      Ginger can be helpful for treating nausea.