Nausea isn’t always the first symptom people with Endometriosis want to tackle, but it’s more common than you might think. Research suggests that 50-85% of those with Endometriosis experience queasiness regularly, often alongside bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea. It can also worsen during menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations.
If this is something you struggle with, understanding its root causes is the first step to finding relief. Here are six scientifically supported reasons why nausea is a common symptom of Endometriosis:
- Chronic, systemic inflammation
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease, which means there is chronic, systemic inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation is also found in the digestive system, leading to discomfort and nausea. Inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, are released, and they can disrupt normal digestion, making nausea worse.
- Gastrointestinal involvement
Endometriosis lesions can grow on or near the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the intestines and rectum. When this happens, digestion can be disrupted, leading to irritation, bloating, and the sensation that you need to throw up —especially around the time of menstruation.
- Hormonal fluctuations
Endometriosis is hormone-driven, primarily influenced by oestrogen. Many people experience worsened nausea just before or during their period due to a sudden drop in progesterone and a rise in prostaglandins. These fluctuations can disrupt smooth muscle function in the digestive tract, leading to nausea and other digestive issues.
- Prostaglandin overproduction
Prostaglandins are inflammatory chemicals that increase during pain and inflammation. High levels of prostaglandins can trigger uterine contractions, cramping, and gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea. When these levels are excessive, they stimulate muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines, leading to queasiness and discomfort.
- Endometriosis lesions and adhesions
Endometriosis tissue and the scar tissue (adhesions) that form can cause organs like the intestines to stick together or to other structures in the pelvic cavity. This can physically disrupt digestion, leading to nausea, especially if adhesions interfere with normal bowel movements.
- Food intolerances and sensitivities
Many individuals with Endometriosis experience food intolerances, which can contribute to nausea. Common triggers include gluten and dairy, but any food can cause an immune response if gut health is compromised. When you consume a food that your body struggles to process, it can lead to inflammation in the digestive tract, delayed gastric emptying, bloating, and nausea.
Additionally, enzyme deficiencies in Endometriosis sufferers can make it harder to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, leading to undigested food entering the intestines and causing irritation. If food sits in the stomach too long, it can cause fullness, bloating, reflux, and queasiness.
The gut-brain connection
The gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis, which plays a significant role in nausea. Chronic inflammation can make the nerves in the gut hypersensitive, sending false danger signals to the brain and triggering nausea, even when there’s no real threat.
Over time, the nervous system can become conditioned to expect nausea in response to bloating or discomfort. This is why even after removing food triggers, some people still experience lingering nausea—it takes time for the gut-brain axis to recalibrate.
Finding relief
If nausea is one of your key symptoms, addressing gut health and reducing inflammation is crucial. As a nutritionist, my approach involves:
- Identifying and eliminating food intolerances
- Healing the gut lining to reduce inflammation
- Supporting the gut-brain axis to retrain the nervous system
While common remedies like ginger may provide temporary relief, they won’t resolve the underlying issue if inflammation and immune responses are still present. Addressing nausea holistically through diet and gut health support can lead to long-term improvements.
Nausea in Endometriosis highlights the deep connection between the reproductive and digestive systems. It can be a frustrating symptom to manage, but with the right approach, significant relief is possible. If this is a major issue for you, don’t just accept it—there are effective strategies to reduce and even eliminate nausea over time.
To discuss how we can tweak your current diet to reduce your Endometriosis nausea, and other symptoms, book a complimentary Endometriosis Discovery Call now.