How To Stop An Upset Stomach During Your Period (Nausea & Diarrhea Remedies)
In this blog, we discuss how hormonal changes before and during your period can lead to an upset stomach. We also share practical tips on how to deal with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during your period.
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Hormonal changes during your period are the leading cause behind menstrual diarrhea.
An upset stomach can happen as early as a week or two before your period begins.
For relief, stay hydrated, drink ginger tea, and use a heated bottle or warm compress.
Did you know?
Approximately 10% of women experience severe menstrual symptoms, often diagnosed as dysmenorrhea.
Ever wondered why your stomach acts up during your period? The hormonal cacophony of menstruation can bring about unwelcome symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. In this blog, we’ll unravel the reasons behind these symptoms and share some practical tips to navigate the discomfort.
Let’s begin by looking at why you get an upset stomach during your period in the first place!
Why Do I Get Diarrhea During My Period?
The hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle can affect your digestive system. Prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances, play a role in both menstruation and bowel movements, and can cause the uterus to contract while also stimulating the bowels, sometimes leading to diarrhea.
Additionally, stress and changes in diet or exercise habits around your period can also contribute to symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. This explains why some people report an upset stomach even before their period begins! Let’s look at why this is the case.
Is It Normal To Have Diarrhea Before Your Period?
It can be! The hormonal changes that lead to menstrual symptoms can start a week or two before your period begins. Some people experience premenstrual symptoms, often referred to as PMS, which can include bloating, cramps, mood swings, and of course… stomach upset. These symptoms can vary from person to person and cycle to cycle. It’s all part of the menstrual rollercoaster!
Does stomach upset tend to go away when your period ends? Let’s talk about this next.
How Long Does Period Diarrhea Last?
Period diarrhea is usually a temporary symptom that occurs around the time of menstruation. It typically coincides with your period’s start and can last a couple of days. However, the duration can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience it for a shorter or longer period.
If you find that it persists or is causing significant discomfort, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues and provide guidance on managing symptoms. But if you’re searching for quick and effective ways to stop an upset stomach at home, we’ve got you covered. In the next section, we share practical tips on relieving menstrual and PMS symptoms like diarrhea and nausea.
How To Stop An Upset Stomach During Your Period
Here are some easy changes you can make to ensure that your period is not accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. If you are already experiencing any of these issues, the tricks we share below are still helpful in managing an upset stomach:
1. Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to digestive issues. Drinking water helps maintain overall health and can prevent constipation.
2. Dietary Changes: Avoid foods high in salt, caffeine, and sugar, which can contribute to bloating and discomfort. Include foods rich in potassium, like bananas, to help balance fluids in your body.
3. Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. You can make ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water. Adding a bit of honey can also be soothing.
4. Over-the-Counter Medications: Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion. Anti-diarrheal medications can be helpful if diarrhea is a significant symptom
5. Heat Therapy: Applying a heat pad or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen can help relax muscles and ease cramps. Warm baths can also be effective in relieving overall discomfort. Our Snuggler warmable bottle is gently weighted and can help alleviate discomfort from menstrual cramps. Simply place the Snuggler on the lower abdomen for targeted relief.
6. Exercise: Gentle exercises like walking or yoga can stimulate digestion and improve blood circulation. Yoga poses like Child’s Pose or Cat-Cow can specifically target abdominal discomfort.
7. Manage Stress: Stress management is crucial during your period. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation can help reduce stress levels, promoting relaxation.
It is important to remember that it might take some trial and error to figure out which methods work best for you. If your symptoms begin in the evenings or persist through the night, in the next section, we share some easy tricks for you to try so that you can sleep easily despite having an upset stomach during your period.
How To Sleep With An Upset Stomach During Your Period
Here are some things you can do to ensure that your upset stomach does not stop you from having a good night’s sleep:
1. Use a Heating Pad: Choose a heating pad that can retain heat for a long time so that you don’t have to get up several times to reheat it. Our Lounger, a gently weighted and heated lap pad filled with tension-melting Terraclay™, eases aches and aids relaxation. Once heated, the lounger can retain its heat for up to an hour!
2. Take Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help ease pain and discomfort. While most OTC pills are easily accessible, always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medications.
3. Stay Hydrated: Consider adding a slice of lemon or a splash of ginger to your water. Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties and can provide a soothing effect.
4. Eat Lightly Before Bed: Opt for easily digestible snacks like crackers, bananas, or plain yogurt. Avoid caffeine and large meals close to bedtime.
5. Elevate Your Legs: Place a bolster pillow under your knees to relieve pressure on your lower back and enhance overall comfort.
6. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Try progressive muscle relaxation by tensing and then releasing each muscle group. Deep, rhythmic breathing can also help calm your nervous system.
7. Create a Comfortable Environment: Use blackout curtains to create a dark sleeping environment. Adjust the room temperature to a cool, comfortable level, and make sure your mattress and pillows provide adequate support.
8. Sleeping Positions: Experiment with a fetal position or placing a pillow between your legs while sleeping on your side. This can help alleviate pressure on your abdomen and lower back.
9. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, breathable sleepwear to ensure maximum comfort. Cotton fabrics are a good option as they allow for better airflow.
10. Take Warm Baths: Add Epsom salts to your bath for an extra soothing effect. The magnesium in Epsom salts can help relax muscles and ease tension.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues and get personalized advice.
When To See A Doctor
While an occasionally upset stomach during your period is common and often manageable with home remedies, there are situations where you should consider seeing a doctor:
1. Severe or Prolonged Symptoms: If your stomach upset is persistent or lasts for an extended period.
2. Dehydration: When you experience an inability to keep fluids down due to vomiting or diarrhea.
3. Fever: This could be a sign of an infection or another underlying issue beyond your period.
4. Other Concerning Symptoms: If you notice symptoms such as bloody stools, persistent nausea and vomiting, or notable weight loss, these may indicate a more serious issue.
Remember, your body’s signals are unique, and if something feels off or different from your usual menstrual symptoms, it’s better to be cautious and seek professional advice. Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
Managing an upset stomach during your period involves understanding the hormonal changes at play, making lifestyle adjustments, and seeking professional guidance when needed. There are practical steps to ease discomfort, from staying hydrated and mindful of your diet to incorporating soothing remedies like ginger tea and heat therapy. However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or present additional concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional.
