Menstrual Abdominal Pain and Vomiting: Understanding the Causes

Experiencing abdominal pain and vomiting during menstruation can be distressing. These symptoms may arise from a combination of non-medical and medical factors. It's important for women to understand the potential causes and seek proper diagnosis through tests such as abdominal ultrasound or blood work, followed by treatment under a doctor's guidance.

1. Exposure to Cold Temperatures

When the body is exposed to cold during menstruation, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to impaired intestinal movement. This may result in abdominal pain and vomiting. In such cases, staying warm, drinking warm water or soup, and applying heat to the abdomen can help alleviate symptoms.

2. Poor Dietary Habits

Overeating or consuming heavy meals during your period can overload the digestive system, increasing pressure in the stomach and potentially causing acid reflux, leading to pain and vomiting. Adopting healthier eating habits, eating smaller meals, and gently massaging the abdomen may help improve digestion and relieve discomfort.

3. Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

Severe menstrual cramps can cause the uterus to contract strongly, which may irritate the intestines and disrupt normal bowel movements. Applying a heating pad to the abdomen or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen—after consulting with a healthcare provider—can help reduce uterine contractions and ease pain, thus preventing related gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Due to Stress

Emotional stress, anxiety, or depression during menstruation can interfere with normal digestive function, leading to nausea and pain. In some cases, doctors may recommend medications like domperidone or mosapride citrate to regulate gut motility and relieve symptoms.

5. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Consuming allergenic foods such as shellfish or tropical fruits during menstruation can trigger an allergic reaction that affects the digestive tract, resulting in cramping and vomiting. Antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine—used under medical supervision—can help manage the reaction, while avoiding known allergens is crucial for prevention.

Other possible causes include gastrointestinal infections, endometritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, ovarian cysts, or even intestinal tumors. If these symptoms persist, prompt medical attention is essential. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene, resting adequately, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of warm water can support overall recovery and well-being.