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.
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.
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.
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.