Nausea is rarely a symptom of menopause but is often experienced by women who are in transition to the menopausal stage. This could very well be explained by the numerous symptoms of menopause which causes stress and anxiety to women which then produces the stress hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol then travels through your bloodstream causing discomfort in your digestive system which will in turn make you feel sick.
The obvious answer to this would be to alleviate your menopausal symptoms which causes the stress but one thing you must know is that treatments and medication like HRT may cause nausea as well. If you’re experiencing nausea in your menopausal stage, read through this article to better understand your condition and how to treat it.
Is Nausea a Symptom of Menopause?
Nausea during menopause is a common concern among women experiencing this significant life transition. While it may not be the most obvious symptom, many women do report occasional bouts of feeling sick, or an upset stomach. Nausea is synonymous with feeling sick; it can occur before vomiting, although this isn’t always the case. In rare circ*mstances, utilising HRT (hormone replacement therapy) might also cause nausea.
According to the study conducted by the Department of Medicine of Massachusetts General Hospital, nausea is the nasty painless personal sensation of about to puke which is also associated with post-operative nausea, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and motion sickness.
However, it is essential to note that nausea alone is not a clear indicator of menopause, as it can be caused by a variety of circ*mstances. To delve deeper into the issue, it’s important to understand what causes nausea during menopause and to investigate viable treatment options.
What Causes Nausea During Menopause?
The causes of nausea during menopause range widely and sometimes can be due to hormonal irregularities most notably a decrease in oestrogen levels. Menopausal hormone fluctuations can influence the digestive tract, causing symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and nausea. Stress, anxiety, or adverse drug reactions are among other variables that may cause nausea during menopause.
First let’s look into the effects of hormonal changes to the digestive system which has a high chance of causing nausea. Based on the research from Margaret Heitkemper, PhD and Lin Chang, MD, there is an increase in gastrointestinal symptoms around the time of early menopause, suggesting that it could be directly related to the oestrogen withdrawal or hormonal changes.
In cases of patients who are undergoing treatments where anxiety peaks (which is a well-known symptom of menopause as well), severity of nausea has the most positive correlation with anxiety as suggested in the study by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. As a result, lessening nausea and vomiting prior to and subsequent to treatment could help avoid or mitigate physical and psychological side effects like fatigue and anxiety. It may also improve the patients’ quality of life.
Many women seek relief from this problem through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments. It is vital to investigate whether HRT can effectively treat the nausea associated with menopause in order to fully comprehend its potential benefits.
Can HRT stop Nausea Caused by Menopause?
Since nausea is not one of the common direct symptoms of menopause, it is not advised that HRT be a valid treatment for menopause-caused nausea. While HRT is most commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms, its effect on nausea differs from person to person. Because HRT helps stabilise hormone levels, especially oestrogen, some women experience a dramatic reduction in feeling sick or nauseated, or the complete opposite of it.
According to the NHS, one of the known side effects of Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) is nausea. Any side effects of medications or therapy to aid hormonal changes usually improve overtime so if possible, continue with your treatment for at least 3 months.
However, it is important to understand that HRT may not be suitable for everyone due to possible risks and adverse effects. It is necessary to assess several options when exploring alternatives for menopausal nausea and their efficacy. If you want to look for professional advice regarding this issue, you can consult us at OMC to provide you with straight-forward answers and solutions to your problem.
What are the Treatments for Menopausal Nausea?
Several treatment options are available to help relieve menopausal nausea. Maintaining a healthy diet and managing anxiety, for example, play critical roles in preventing sickness during this phase. Below are list of things you can do to alleviate nausea:
Drinking Cold Water
A study published in the Journal of Palembang Nursing Studies established the fact that drinking cold water helps in alleviating nausea as it assists in rehydration which provides a better appetite, and can even stabilise emotions. Inadequate fluid consumption can potentially impact cognitive function and mood. Additionally, the sensation of cold can induce a sense of pleasure, influenced by the release of endorphins and serotonin.
Ginger Liquids or Food
Since ancient times, Ginger has been used as a traditional cure for stomach problems. Ginger has been studied in preclinical and clinical research as an effective and safe therapy for nausea and vomiting.
A study conducted by Iñaki Lete and José Allué has proven that ginger is an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea and vomiting and is safe.
Eating Small Portions of Low-fat Foods
Smaller servings of low-fat foods appear to be the most effective. Such foods are easier to break down and travel through the stomach more quickly. Sugar and fat content for these tiny portions of meals should be minimal. These foods can range from fruits, boiled eggs, leafy greens up to lean meats but remember to just take in small amounts and avoid greasy foods as it will worsen your condition.
Foods with a high sugar content can worsen nausea, while foods rich in fat may provide a stuffed feeling as well as a delay in digestion, which may worsen discomfort.
Proper Management of Stress and Anxiety
When your body recognises stress, your adrenal glands produce and let out the stress-hormone cortisol into the circulation of your blood.
Cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” raises your heart rate and blood pressure which triggers anxiety. Excess cortisol and other stress chemicals rushing through your body is also bad for digestion. These hormones can alter how your body processes food and utilises nutrients, resulting in nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhoea.
However, before beginning any new treatment regimen, it is important to contact a healthcare provider. Exploring these remedies can help control menopausal nausea, but recognising additional symptoms connected with hormonal nausea is also necessary to address menopause discomfort completely. If nausea stays for days and gets severe, don’t hesitate to contact us at OMC to give you proper assistance and assessment on your condition to help alleviate your situation faster.
What Other Symptoms are Associated with Hormonal Nausea?
Hormonal nausea is frequently accompanied by a variety of other uncomfortable symptoms throughout menopause. Hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats are examples of symptoms that might exacerbate the discomfort caused by nausea. Symptoms caused by hormonal changes during menopause can have an adverse impact on both your emotional and physical wellbeing. You may very well experience anxiety, stress, or even sadness as well.
According to the Institute of Medical Psychology in Munich, Germany which underwent a series of experiments if stress could induce nausea. Their research results suggested that high-stress certainly causes nausea with associated gastric activity which is characterised by feeling sick and stomach upset.
During this transitional period, these interrelated symptoms can have a major impact on a woman’s quality of life. Understanding the full range of menopausal symptoms becomes essential when deciding when to seek medical help for optimal control of symptoms.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Knowing when to seek medical attention for menopausal nausea is critical for optimal management. If your nausea during menopause is severe, chronic, or severely interfering with your everyday life, you should seek medical attention. If you have nausea combined with other troubling symptoms such as dizziness, chest discomfort, or significant mood swings, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
At OMC, we are here to help you discuss these issues and provide advice tailored to your individual situation. When you collaborate with us, you’ll skip long queues and enjoy quick access to an abundance of valuable information.
Contact us today to see how we may assist you with your symptoms.
