Is Continued Nausea a Sign of Menopause
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It felt like I was right back in my first trimester with my second born. Getting up and reeling from the sudden feeling of vertigo as if I was going to pass out or be sick. After sitting for a bit and eating a piece of ginger it passed but I felt as if I had spent the night knocking back red wine like the twenty year old version of myself. Nausea caused by menopause is wretched.
No one enjoys being nauseous. Unfortunately for women going through the transition to menopause, nausea is a very common symptom. It's so common that it has earned its medical term – "Menopausal Nausea."
Nausea, in general, is a feeling of unease in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. It is often accompanied by other symptoms like lightheadedness, weakness, and sweating. For women going throught nausea during menopause, however, it presents as the sudden onset of nausea with no known trigger (although there are many speculations).
Other symptoms associated with menopause-related nausea include:
- Excessive urination -Dizziness -Headaches
- Insomnia
- Exhaustion and flu-like symptoms
What Causes Nausea in Menopause?
Research is thin but let's do some educated sleuthing.
If you've experienced nausea due to fluctuations in hormone levels during your usual menstrual cycle then you are more likely to also experience it with the fluctuations in your progesterone and estrogen in menopause.
These fluctuations can also cause digestive issues which can be another contributing factor.
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And let's not forget the possibility of other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, headaches, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, and heart palpitations contributing to feelings of nausea. Then there's the possibility of having nausea as a side effect of various medications like hormone replacement therapy.
Women in menopause often experience a heightened sense of smell. Women experiencing Menopausal Nausea frequently report that as soon as they come into contact with an offensive odor, such as cigarette smoke or garbage, it brings on this intense feeling of nausea.
How long will I experience nausea?
Nausea caused by hormone fluctuations in menopause will only last as long as the fluctuations. If you are taking medications that cause nausea as a side effect, consult your doctor about possible alternatives.
If you experience nausea due to an underlying health condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, gallstones, or some other digestive issue, nausea may last until that is resolved.
Things you should do first
Do you see a pattern yet? When does the nausea hit? Is it directly before or after a meal, when you get up in the morning, or at another regular time?
See if you can pinpoint a food that might be causing it or perhaps you're dehydrated.
When you're dealing with nausea as a menopausal symptom, or as a side effect of another medication or condition, your first step should always be to consult your doctor. Other things could be causing you to feel sick so it's worth getting them involved.
Your doctor will run tests to rule out anything serious and prescribe you medication if necessary.
What Natural Remedies Are There for Menopausal Nausea?
Although nausea can be very uncomfortable, it should not last more than a few days. If you are experiencing nausea for longer periods or if your nausea is accompanied by any other serious or related symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
If you're like me and get hit with menopausal nausea every once in a while (or constantly), here are a few safe and effective remedies to alleviate symptoms:
- I swear by ginger to help alleviate that sometimes feeling of morning sickness.
- I have 2 pieces of crystallized ginger every morning and although it contains sugar it's minimal.
- Maybe, suck on ginger candy or dried ginger slices
- Drink ginger tea with honey or lemon
- Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into 1/2 cup of warm water. Drink this before each meal
- Add apple cider vinegar to your dressings, on your fruit, where ever you get the opportunity. Make sure it is the ACV that contains the "mother".
- Eat plain yogurt with fruit or on its own
- Avoid strong odors, especially those that might trigger nausea-like cigarette smoke and garbage
What Medications Are Available for Menopausal Nausea?
Nausea is not an easy symptom to handle but there are various medications for Menopausal Nausea that your doctor may recommend.
They include:
- Ranitidine
- Prochlorperazine maleate
- Ondansetron
- Promethazine
Although there are medications to help with nausea, it doesn't hurt to try natural remedies first.
Some medications cause nausea as a side effect so if your doctor prescribes one of these keep a close eye on how you're feeling
What other remedies are there?
If you've tried the natural remedies listed above and are still experiencing nausea, it doesn't hurt to look into these additional options.
As an alternative to traditional medication, there is also acupuncture or acupressure which are both quite beneficial for treating nausea.
Yoga has been known to help with anxiety-related symptoms which can also cause nausea. Some yoga moves will help settle an upset tummy.
Is there anything else I can do?
Take it slow in the mornings
If you find you're usually feeling sick in the mornings, start your day slowly. Sip green or peppermint tea, take some ginger, and don't race about.
Change your eating habits
Try to eat small meals throughout the day instead of 2 or 3 large ones.
Keep yourself hydrated. Water helps you digest your food.
I try to follow the rule of thumb that if I am hungry then I eat something small, even when not feeling nauseous to keep my blood sugar regulated and my body fueled so when symptoms hit I can deal with them better.
Avoid eating heavily processed or greasy foods which can cause nausea by themselves or in combination with other foods.
If you are suffering from nausea, avoid alcohol since it can irritate your stomach.
Eat bland foods when nauseous
Eat before you get hungry
Avoid dairy in your food and your coffee if it bothers you
Exercise regularly
Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins into your body that will boost mood and energy levels.
Getting enough sleep
Fatigue can amplify feelings of nausea. Get to bed at a reasonable time with a good bedtime routine.
Sleep can be interrupted with menopause symptoms. Keep your room cool, use earplugs, wear an eye mask. Whatever is needed to get the best rest you can.
Avoid foods that can contribute to nausea
Caffeine
Alcohol
Fatty/fried foods
Spicy food
Avoid stress
Keep stress to a minimum in your life.
Try to relax and/or meditate, listen to some calming music, take a warm bath with lavender essential oil or try some other type of stress reliever that works for you.
Source: https://www.janelamason.com/menopause/does-menopause-cause-nausea/
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