Nauseais a symptom ofmenopause.
Menopause-related nausea occurs because of changing hormone levels.
Sometimes nausea may accompany hot flashes.
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This article explains how menopause can cause nausea and the treatments to help prevent symptoms.
MixMedia / Getty Images
What Is Nausea?
Nausea is the sense of an uneasy stomach.
It may be mild or severe.
In many cases, nausea is accompanied by vomiting or the feeling that you oughta vomit.
You also may not feel like eating.
Many conditions, some of them serious, can lead to nausea symptoms.
They include:
Nausea is not a very common menopause symptom, but some people are affected by it.
Is Nausea a Symptom of Menopause?
Nausea can be a symptom of menopause and may occur along with hot flashes.
Decreased Hormone Levels
Menopause is marked by a decrease in the hormonesestrogenandprogesterone.
Both hormones play a role in reproductive health by regulating the menstrual cycle.
By the time a woman approaches menopausal age, those hormones begin to drop.This signals the beginning of menopause.
During that time, the decrease in hormone levels can lead to nausea in some people.
Hot Flashes
One of the most common symptoms of menopause ishot flashes.
Hot flashes are due to decreased estrogen levels sending mixed signals to the hypothalamus, the body’s thermostat.
Hot flashes are sensations of excessive warmth that come and go throughout the day.
The areas of the body typically affected are the head, neck, and chest.
Hot flashes can be accompanied by red and blotchy skin, prickly skin, and sweating.
Are Hot Flashes Dangerous?
Hot flashes, as a symptom of menopause, are not dangerous.
Nor is menopause itself.
Menopause Medications
Medications used to treat the symptoms of menopause can sometimes cause nausea.
Examples include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and some antidepressants.
One of the side effects of HRT is nausea.
This is especially true with estrogen therapy.
Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat mood changes that come with menopause.
Nausea can be a side effect of antidepressants.
Other non-hormonal treatments include Veozah (fezolinetant).
Veozah is the first neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist approved to treat hot flashes because of menopause.
If you experience nausea while taking Veozah, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
In December 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued aboxed warningfor Veozah.
Veozah may lead to serious liver injury in some individuals.
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Veozah and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
It may not be related to your menopause or its treatment.
Treatments and Management of Nausea
There are various treatments available for nausea associated with menopause.
Treatment often will depend on the symptoms that you’ve experienced.
Medications
The most widely used medication to treat menopause is HRT.
Hormone replacement is very effective in managing menopause symptoms but it can also cause nausea.
Antiemeticmedications also are used to treat nausea.
These include Paxil (paroxetine) and Prozac (fluoxetine).
SSRIs also alleviate sleep disturbances as well as symptoms of anxiety.
Dietary Changes
Certain foods and beverages may make nausea worse.
Common nausea triggers include:
In addition, nausea is sometimes worse on an empty stomach.
How Can You Increase Your Hormone Levels Naturally?
In some cases, treating nausea at home can work.
Summary
Nausea is an uncommon but possible symptom of menopause.
While not everyone will experience nausea because of menopause, some will.
Fortunately, it can be managed effectively with either over-the-counter or natural remedies.
Lifestyle changes also can help to reduce nausea symptoms during menopause.
But keep in mind that your nausea may be due to another condition, some of them potentially life-threatening.
It’s important to check that you have an accurate diagnosis for your nausea symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The onset of menopause can vary.
People are most likely to begin menopause between the ages of 45 and 55.
However, it can start as early as age 40.
During perimenopause, yourmenstrual cyclebegins changing, and physical and emotional symptoms arise.
Perimenopause can last anywhere from two to 10 years.
The menopause timeline will vary depending on the person and their lifestyle factors.
Roughly speaking, the transitional period typically lasts seven years.
In some cases, it can go on for as long as 14 years.
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