Throwing up on your period can happen because of prostaglandins , the hormone-like chemicals that help your uterus contract and shed its lining; in some people, they also irritate the stomach and trigger nausea or vomiting. It can also be worse if you have strong cramps, and sometimes it points to something like endometriosis or another gynecologic issue.

Why it happens

  • Prostaglandins can cause both cramps and stomach upset.
  • Severe period pain can make nausea and vomiting more likely.
  • In some cases, conditions like endometriosis or pelvic infection can be involved, especially if the symptoms are intense or unusual.

What may help

  • Start an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medicine early in your period, if that is safe for you and you can take it.
  • Use a heating pad, rest, and drink water.
  • Try small, bland meals like crackers, toast, or bananas, and ginger if it helps you.

When to get checked

  • You should talk to a clinician if you vomit a lot, can’t keep fluids down, it lasts more than a couple of days, or it keeps getting worse.
  • Get medical help sooner if you also have very severe pain, fever, unusual discharge, heavy bleeding, or symptoms that happen outside your period.

Important note

If you’re sexually active, pregnancy is also something to rule out, even if you are bleeding, because vomiting is not always caused by your period.

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