I Throw Up During My Period. Is That Normal?

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

Many girls 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 (with over-the-counter pain relief medicines, heating pads, etc.) can help some girls get rid of the nausea. You also might find that eating smaller, more frequent meals can help.

Sometimes, birth control pills can help ease some of the problems that girls get before or during a period.

Call your health care provider if:

• you throw up a lot
• you throw up for more than a couple of days
• you can't keep fluids down
• the throwing up gets worse over time

Your provider can see if there's another problem going on and can help make sure that you don't get dehydrated.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.