The female body is quite unpredictable. Changes in hormone levels, stress, poor nutrition and other negative factors that every modern woman experiences can affect her well-being in the most unexpected way. Very often, women on forums ask why they feel sick after menstruation. The reasons may be different, but most of the fair sex assume pregnancy. Let's look at this issue in more detail. So, why do you feel sick after and before your period? This is what the material presented is about.
Nausea before menstruation
Many girls begin to suffer from symptoms of premenstrual syndrome about a week before the start of their period. It manifests itself extremely unpleasantly and can make you think about pregnancy. It really can sometimes be confused with PMS. If fertilization occurs, menstruation will most likely not begin. But such phenomena as ectopic pregnancy or threatened miscarriage are also possible. Of course, first you need to buy a test. Two stripes that accompany the onset of bleeding may be normal, but most often indicate a threat of miscarriage. In this case, you cannot do without consulting a doctor.
But often these symptoms are a sign of hormonal changes. In this case, the hormones progesterone and estrogen are rearranged in the body, causing fluid retention, which causes unpleasant symptoms. Nausea is accompanied by an increase in abdominal volume and breast swelling.
What other reasons may be hidden in nausea before menstruation:
- Excessive physical activity. If you feel the approach of menstruation due to nagging pain in the lower abdomen, it is not recommended to subject your body to strong physical exertion. This includes working out in the gym, swimming, running. In this case, our organs experience an increase in pressure, the uterus moves slightly and puts pressure on the spinal cord, which causes unpleasant symptoms. Remember that both before and during menstruation it is important to avoid heavy lifting and excessive stress, because this has an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the body.
- Taking oral contraceptives can cause changes in hormonal levels, which can have an extremely negative impact on the functioning of the body. Nervousness, nausea, dizziness, and hyperhidrosis may occur. In this case, it is important to change the drug to another.
- Stress. In this case, you can start taking mild sedatives.
- Often, nausea before menstruation is associated with the presence of iron deficiency anemia in a woman (the body's unmet need for iron, leading to a decrease in hemoglobin levels), which is caused by obvious and hidden bleeding, poor diet and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, nausea is often accompanied by general weakness, dizziness, as well as pallor of the mucous membranes and skin. The onset of menstruation, which is often very heavy, does not relieve the nausea associated with anemia for obvious reasons.
Nausea during menstruation
We all know that the main task of menstruation is to prepare the body for conception. If it does not occur, there is a sharp decrease in progesterone levels several times. During this period, prostaglandins, the “provocateurs” of menstruation, are also more actively produced. The endometrial vessels narrow, the intensity of blood flow decreases, and the mucous membrane of the upper layer of the uterus exfoliates and leaves the body along with the blood. This process lasts from 4 to 7 days. During this period, the uterus grows a new mucous layer, so a new menstrual cycle begins from the first day of bleeding.
Some women do not even notice the onset of menstruation, while others suffer from pain, dizziness, irritability, and increased appetite. Contraction of the uterine muscles causes pain in the ovarian area. Sometimes there is even an elevated temperature.
Some doctors believe that blood stagnation in the pelvis leads to similar symptoms. If a girl leads an active lifestyle and plays sports regularly (not during her menstrual period, of course), there is a risk of increasing such symptoms.
In this case, the woman not only feels sick after her period, but also during it. And all this is also due to hormonal changes. Dizziness or even fainting may occur due to increased intracranial pressure.
Causes of menstrual migraine
The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormonal changes. Numerous observations confirm the dependence of migraine on fluctuations in the levels of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and aldosterone. It is believed that it is a sharp change in the concentration of estrogen that triggers a migraine attack. This is proven by the fact that most women encounter this problem only in adolescence.
The following disorders may be the causes of headaches:
- imbalance of sex hormones, which occurs before the onset of menstruation and during ovulation, at the time the egg is released from the burst follicle (due to hormonal problems, spasm of the blood vessels occurs in the circulatory system, which leads to deterioration of brain nutrition and the development of migraines);
- disruption of the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the adrenal glands, which leads to vasospasm and headaches;
- a decrease in the concentration of chemicals that normalize the functioning of the nervous system (a decrease in the pain threshold leads to the fact that even a minimal headache is perceived more acutely and severely).
Various neurotransmitters also play a role in the development of premenstrual syndrome. First of all, this is serotonin, the amount of which fluctuates greatly during menstruation, causing mood instability and depressive feelings. Reduced concentrations of serotonin lead to feelings of fatigue, sleep problems and uncontrollable food cravings.
Due to the fact that water-salt imbalances aggravate migraine symptoms, food preferences also play an important role. During this period, consumption of salty, fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol contributes to the worsening of headaches. Reduced levels of certain vitamins (in particular, group B) and minerals can also negatively affect the course of premenstrual symptoms.
Gynecological problems
If you feel nauseous and have a tugging in the lower abdomen after menstruation, this phenomenon may be caused by the normal functioning of the body. However, there is a risk of gynecological diseases. These include:
- Endometriosis. The growth of tissue of the uterine layer also causes symptoms such as intense bleeding during any period of the menstrual cycle, pain after intercourse.
- Adnexitis. The disease affects the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Accompanied by gray discharge, itching and swelling.
- Vulvitis. Inflammation of the vagina occurs due to a fungal or infectious lesion. There is a burning sensation, swelling, itching.
- Ovarian cyst. It is formed as a result of disruptions in blood flow inside the ovarian follicle. Leads to a gradual increase in the corpus luteum and pressure on the organs.
A number of common symptoms are also possible. In addition to feeling sick after menstruation and having a stomach ache, you often feel weak, your body temperature rises, you experience spotting and chills. There is also often discharge from the genitals, which women often simply do not pay attention to.
Pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation
General information
The appearance of menstruation in women is the result of complex interactions of reproductive hormones , the levels of which in the body rise and fall at different periods of the menstrual cycle, which lasts approximately one lunar month (28 days).
Some women do not notice any significant changes in their body during the entire menstrual cycle, with the exception of bleeding for a few days. However, about a third of women in the world suffer from unpleasant symptoms during menstruation associated with fluctuations in hormone levels , and negative menstrual sensations are especially noticeable during the last 7-14 days of the cycle.
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Pain during menstruation
Pain during menstruation is quite typical and has the following symptoms:
- Cramping pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lumbar region, less often to the area of the external genitalia, groin and thighs.
- Severe pain during menstruation or a few days before it.
- Paroxysmal, intense pain.
Pain during menstruation depletes the nervous system, contributes to the development of an asthenic state (lethargy, weakness), and reduces performance.
Pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation
Pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation can be a symptom of inflammatory gynecological diseases:
- Adnexitis;
- endometritis;
- vulvitis
With endometriosis , aching, cramping pain in the lower abdomen can bother you throughout the entire menstrual cycle. They intensify slightly 2-3 days before menstruation. It is important to remember that pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation is a signal that our body sends, saying that there are problems that need to be addressed. Pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation may indicate the presence of the following pathologies:
- adnexitis;
- vulvitis;
- endometriosis.
With endometriosis, nodes form in and around the uterus, reminiscent in structure of the inner layer of the uterine mucosa , which is rejected during menstruation. Such growths can penetrate into nearby tissues, causing adhesions.
Rejection of menstrual fluid and endometrium is considered a normal process during menstruation, however, when entering the abdominal cavity, endometrioid cells settle on nearby organs, grow and form bloody discharge.
In this case, the fluid produced by endometrial cells is retained inside, resulting in pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation. Adhesions formed in the abdominal cavity cause obstruction of the fallopian tubes. If the ovaries are affected, this often leads to the formation of a cyst, which increases the risk of infertility . Causes of the disease:
- hereditary predisposition;
- hormonal disbalance;
- abortion;
- C-section;
- cauterization of cervical erosion;
- infections;
- stress and unbalanced diet;
- malfunction of the endocrine glands;
- special structure of the fallopian tubes.
The main symptoms of the disease are the discharge of dark bloody masses from the genitals before or after menstruation, pain during menstruation and during sexual intercourse, as well as pain that has no connection with the menstrual cycle and pain radiating to the lumbar region and tailbone.
Pain syndrome is also expressed during bowel movements and urination. However, it should be borne in mind that the disease can also be asymptomatic, so periodic preventive examinations by a gynecologist should be performed.
Treatment of endometriosis is divided into conservative and surgical. Surgery is prescribed if bleeding that occurs leads to the development of anemia, as well as infertility caused by obstruction of the fallopian tubes and the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment methods.
The goal of drug treatment is atrophy of endometrial tissue and elimination of clinical manifestations of the disease. If the disease is mild, it is possible to prescribe oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatory, hormonal and homeopathic drugs.
Vulvitis
Pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation is often associated with the development of vulvitis . With this disease, the mucous membrane of the external genitalia becomes inflamed. This disorder can be caused by yeast, microorganisms, and sexually transmitted infections. Wearing tight underwear, as well as failure to comply with intimate hygiene rules, can contribute to the development of the disease. Main symptoms of the disease:
- burning and itching sensation in the external genitalia,
- hyperemia and swelling,
- discharge of serous-purulent masses.
Depending on the cause that provoked the disease, antifungal drugs, antibacterial creams and ointments can be used for treatment; anti-inflammatory procedures are also carried out in the form of herbal baths with chamomile and St. John's wort.
Adnexit
Inflammation of the uterine appendages provokes the formation of adhesions in the fallopian tubes, which causes pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation. In the acute form of the disease, the general condition worsens and the temperature increases.
In severe cases of the disease, purulent formations appear in the fallopian tubes and ovaries. If not treated in time, the disease often becomes chronic. are used for treatment .
Treatment
Pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation can also be associated with a disruption of the natural hormonal balance in the body and an increase in the production of prostaglandins, which stimulate uterine contractions. Associated symptoms with this disorder may include:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- headache;
- increased sweating;
- cardiopalmus.
If you experience any type of pain, do not engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication, as this can harm your health; if you have pain, you should definitely seek help from a gynecologist.
Ovulation period
Ovulation is a natural process that occurs after the end of menstruation. Most often it is accompanied by moderate pain in the lower abdomen and slight discharge. In this case, even slight spotting is normal. A follicle matures in one of the ovaries, which, if fertilization does not occur, soon bursts. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, sometimes accompanied by discomfort. That's why a week after your period you feel nauseous and dizzy.
However, during ovulation, a large vessel may burst when the follicle ruptures, resulting in blood entering the peritoneum. This will irritate her, resulting in pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can be so severe that you have to see a doctor.
When do menstrual-like discharge still occur and what does it mean?
In most other cases, bleeding during early pregnancy (in the first trimester) is an alarming symptom.
For example, it may indicate that the placenta is located in the lower part of the uterus and blocks its internal os (this can be interpreted as a threat of termination of pregnancy).
In the second and third trimester, the appearance of bloody discharge may indicate uterine rupture (for example, it can occur if there is a scar on the uterus after a previous birth), premature abruption of a normally located placenta, and other problems.
Bleeding during pregnancy is a sure sign for the expectant mother that she urgently needs to see a doctor.
It is important to remember that periods during pregnancy are not normal. In case of any bleeding, the help of a specialist is needed in this case.
Gastrointestinal diseases
Sometimes nausea after menstruation has nothing to do with it in reality. Perhaps it's all about gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, cholecystitis, ulcers. It is the pathologies of these organs of the gastrointestinal tract that are the most common in the world. Typical symptoms include heartburn, belching, flatulence, coated tongue and bad breath. Often women suffering from these pathologies are aware of their presence.
There is also always a risk of eating a low-quality product. Food poisoning can be suspected if, in addition to nausea, there is also diarrhea, weakness, low blood pressure, bloating, and high fever.
Pregnant or not?
Some women experience pregnancy symptoms after their period. In this case, many people get scared and immediately buy a pregnancy test. For some it turns out to be positive. But it is important to consider that symptoms may simply be a consequence of hormonal changes. In this case, many women are drawn to salty foods, which causes stagnation of fluid in the body, and as a result, nausea. Pulls in the stomach after menstruation for purely psychosomatic reasons.
It is important to take into account the psychosomatic factor. Frightened or delighted about pregnancy, a woman begins to deliberately listen to herself. She looks for symptoms where there are none. And soon it finds it, because our brain gives the body the necessary command.
Memo for the patient
Every woman should know:
- You should not self-medicate, but seek help from a doctor if you have severe and regular headaches, as well as if there is a change in its nature and duration. Discomfort during the menstrual cycle and disruption of its flow are an important reason to consult a doctor, regardless of age.
- A healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition are the right decision. You can prevent the development of migraines by following a daily routine, regular walks before bed, maintaining physical activity, and getting enough sleep. In the diet, it is necessary to limit the consumption of “fast” carbohydrates, alcohol and foods that contribute to fluid retention in the body. Maintaining fluid balance is very important for women prone to headaches.
- For effective consultation with a neurologist (and other doctors), it is advisable to keep a diary of health observations, in which you should indicate not only the presence or absence of headaches, but also their intensity. Information about blood pressure, heart rate, and other indicators of well-being will not be superfluous.
- Follow all doctor's recommendations. These can be drugs of various effects, a therapeutic diet, maintenance therapy in the form of vitamin and mineral complexes. You should go for a therapeutic massage of the back and cervical-head region only on the recommendation of your attending physician.
At the Clinical Brain Institute, you can undergo a full examination to identify the causes of headaches during menstruation and prevent the occurrence of migraine attacks. We have highly qualified specialists and the most modern equipment. Our doctors will conduct an examination and prescribe effective treatment.
Probability of pregnancy after menstruation
Many women monitor their menstrual cycle and hope for so-called safe days. By keeping an eye on the calendar, you can calculate the day when the probability of conception is reduced to zero. This is the first and last week of the cycle. However, you cannot rely on this fact with 100% certainty. There is always a risk that conception will still occur, because the functioning of the body is influenced by emotional and hormonal levels. Much also depends on the longevity and activity of sperm. Therefore, if you are not planning a pregnancy, it is important to use contraceptive methods at any time during your cycle.
Nausea after fertilization. Nuances
If you feel sick after your period, could you be pregnant? Many women are interested in this question.
In rare cases, pregnant women experience vaginal bleeding, which can be mistaken for menstruation. In fact, they arise due to the attachment of a fertilized egg to the walls of the uterus, which is penetrated by blood vessels. Such discharge lasts up to two days.
Naturally, during pregnancy, a woman is bothered by such unpleasant symptoms as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, as well as frequent urge to urinate, pain when touching the breasts and fever. In this case, even a pregnancy test can give a false result. Sometimes expectant mothers, reassured by the normal menstrual cycle, discover pregnancy with an increase in abdominal circumference at 3-4 months, when the baby has already formed and even begins to push.
What can periods mean during pregnancy?
After the fertilization of the egg and the onset of pregnancy, menstruation does not occur throughout the entire process of gestation.
It should be remembered that the appearance of any bloody discharge from the vagina during a confirmed pregnancy (positive urinary pregnancy test, ultrasound data, hCG levels) indicates possible pathologies. For example, when there is a threat of miscarriage and termination of pregnancy (spontaneous abortion that has begun), placenta previa (low, marginal, complete).
Scanty spotting during the first days of pregnancy may represent nothing more than implantation bleeding. Implantation of a fertilized egg (blastocyst) into the endometrium occurs 7-10 days after conception, that is, essentially around the days when menstruation should come in case of late ovulation.
The penetration of the blastocyst is accompanied by the destruction of capillaries, and, consequently, a small amount of blood is released. But, unlike true menstrual bleeding, implantation bleeding does not last long: in most cases, a day, or even less.
Full periods during pregnancy - is it possible?
This is possible if there are violations, but doctors also talk about harmless reasons. For example, bleeding is possible even before implantation of the embryo. In this case, the delay will occur only at the beginning of the next month, after which the test can be carried out. However, before this, a woman may already be bothered by the typical symptoms of pregnancy - nausea, chest pain (after menstruation, which continues as usual), craving for salty foods.
In some cases, bleeding indicates a miscarriage. However, if you go to the clinic in time, the baby’s life can still be saved. In this case, the expectant mother is placed in storage until the threat of miscarriage disappears.
Another pathology in which bleeding is possible is intrauterine pregnancy. In this situation, the embryo attaches to the fallopian tube while the uterus continues to shed the endometrium. It not only does not give the fetus a chance to develop, but also threatens the woman’s life.
How often do periods occur during pregnancy?
15–20% of pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion in the early stages.
However, it is important to understand that although bloody vaginal discharge against the background of a live intrauterine pregnancy is designated by doctors as a “threat of miscarriage,” in a large number of cases, despite the dire diagnosis, such a pregnancy is successfully carried to term. If an interruption does occur, in most cases (overwhelming) we are talking about genetic abnormalities of the fetus that are incompatible with life. Other reasons include infectious diseases in the early stages, hormonal imbalances, physical overload, and so on.