When I get my period, sometimes it causes me to throw up. Is this normal or bad for me, and what should I do?
- Annie

Many girls find they throw up — or feel like they might throw up — just before or during their periods. Hormone changes are probably the cause, and these feelings usually go away in a day or two. Treating menstrual cramps (for example, with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or heating pads) can help some girls get rid of the nausea.

Sometimes birth control pills can help to reduce lots of the problems girls get before or during a period. You might also find that eating smaller, more frequent meals can help.

If you throw up a lot, for more than a couple of days, if things get worse over time, or if you can't keep fluids down, see your doctor. That way you can make sure something else isn't going on.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: June 2010

* Names have been changed to protect user privacy.