Nausea Around Ovulation: Causes and Tips to Improve

Nausea is an unpleasant feeling that many women experience in different phases of the menstrual cycle, including during ovulation. Different hormonal changes during ovulation are responsible for causing nausea or morning sickness.

Although it can be frustrating, it also serves as a hint for ovulation and helps you detect it. Ovulation detection is important for women trying to conceive since ovulation is the time when her chances of conception are maximum [1].

In this article, we will understand what causes nausea around ovulation and other signs of ovulation and see what else can make you nauseous during ovulation or the menstrual cycle. For those experiencing feeling nauseous at 3 weeks pregnant, we’ll also explore potential causes and provide some effective tips to improve nausea.

What Is Ovulation?

Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle when the ovary releases a mature egg that is ready for fertilization [2]. This process occurs about 14 days before the start of the next period, depending on the length of your menstrual cycle.

The egg matures within the follicles present inside the ovaries. These follicles mature just before ovulation, and a sudden rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the rupture of a mature follicle during ovulation.

The rupture of the follicle and release of the egg lead to significant hormonal changes in the body. Here, many women ask questions like, can ovulation cause nausea or how ovulation and nausea are linked. The answer is that hormonal changes are the reason why you feel queasy during ovulation and other symptoms of ovulation [3].

What Causes Nausea Around Ovulation?

Nauseous when ovulating can result from hormonal changes or physical reactions occurring in the body. Here is a detail on the potential causes of nausea while ovulating:

1. Hormonal Changes

During ovulation, there is a sudden rise in the levels of estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormonal fluctuations can affect the digestive system, leading to nausea in some women. Estrogen can slow down the movement of food through the stomach, which may create a feeling of nausea [4].

2. Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz)

Many women experience a mild ache or sharp pain on one side of the lower abdomen during ovulation, called mittelschmerz. This pain may irritate the stomach and lead to nausea.

3. Gastrointestinal triggers

Women who are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes are more likely to experience nausea as the hormonal balance shifts during ovulation. In these women, the hormonal changes during ovulation can affect the gut, potentially causing bloating, indigestion, or nausea [5].

What Are Other Symptoms of Ovulation?

Nausea is just one of many symptoms that you experience during ovulation. The other symptoms include:

1. Changes in Cervical Mucus

Normally, the cervical mucus is thick to prevent the entry of foreign bodies, like microbes, inside the uterus. However, around ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery, similar to egg whites. This change facilitates the swim of sperm cells towards the egg.

2. Ovulation Cramps

During ovulation, some women feel cramps or pain on one side of the lower abdomen. This pain results from the rupture of the follicle and the release of follicular contents inside the ovary. The side of the pain varies depending on which side of the ovary is releasing the egg that month.

3. Increased Libido

Increased energy and a boost in sex drive are also a common indication of ovulation. This is among the natural signs your body wants to get pregnant because you are on your peak fertility days.

4. Breast Tenderness

Hormonal changes during ovulation also target breast tissues. You may feel your breasts becoming more sensitive during ovulation. Another change in breasts that occurs during ovulation is the darkening of the area around the nipple pregnancy, which may indicate hormonal shifts related to fertility.

5. Increase in Basal Body Temperature

Your resting temperature, also called basal body temperature, increases slightly after ovulation. Studies show that an increase in progesterone levels after ovulation is responsible for this increase in temperature [6].

Other Causes of Nausea During the Menstrual Cycle

Ovulation is not the only time you may experience nausea during the menstrual cycle. Here are other times during the menstrual cycle when nausea can occur:

1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome is a collective name for different symptoms that most women experience on days leading up to a period. These symptoms can include nausea, bloating, fatigue, and mood swings. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly a drop in estrogen and progesterone, are the primary cause of premenstrual syndrome [7].

2. Menstrual Cramps

During your period, the uterus contracts to shed its lining. These uterine contractions can be very uncomfortable for some women and may cause digestive symptoms like nausea. Digestive symptoms are especially common in women who experience painful periods or dysmenorrhea [8].

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Imbalances in estrogen or progesterone can lead to nausea at various points in the cycle, in addition to ovulation and menstruation. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders may also contribute to hormonal changes and cause nausea as a result.

Could Nausea Be a Sign of Pregnancy?

You can experience nausea or morning sickness within a week or two after ovulation, which can be a sign of pregnancy. Here is how:

1. Implantation

Fertilization of the egg cell by a sperm occurs in the fallopian tube. After fertilization, the fertilized egg travels down to the uterus for implantation. This implantation usually occurs 10 to 14 days after ovulation, and you may feel nausea at this time. Some women experience light spotting or cramping during this time, known as implantation bleeding [9].

2. Hormonal Changes in Early Pregnancy

If pregnancy occurs, the body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG hormone, which can cause nausea [10]. The other hormones that can lead to nausea during early pregnancy are estrogen and progesterone. This nausea is often referred to as morning sickness but can occur at any time of day. If you suspect pregnancy, a home pregnancy test can confirm it as early as the first day of your missed period.

Can Stress Cause Nausea During Ovulation?

Yes, stress can contribute to nausea before ovulation, during ovulation, or other parts of the menstrual cycle. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can affect digestion and increase feelings of nausea [11]. Stress may also disrupt hormonal balance, which can potentially increase the severity of ovulation symptoms like headache before ovulation.

How to Relieve Nausea Around Ovulation?

If nausea around ovulation is affecting your daily life, here are some tips that can help you feel better:

1. Stay Hydrated: Studies show that dehydration can cause symptoms like nausea and vomiting [12]. Drinking plenty of water supports the digestive system and promotes gut motility, potentially lowering symptoms like nausea.
2. Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller meals throughout the day can prevent your stomach from becoming too empty or too full, both of which can worsen nausea.
3. Avoid Trigger Foods: Foods rich in spices, fats or refined carbs can lead to stomach upset and symptoms like nausea. Limiting such foods can significantly contribute to improving digestive health and associated symptoms.
4. Try Ginger tea: Ginger can help relieve nausea and related symptoms by accelerating gastric emptying. A 2016 study shows that ginger use is safe and effective in improving nausea during ovulation and pregnancy [13].
5. Over-the-Counter Medications: If nausea is severe and other remedies are not working for you, you must consult your doctor about safe anti-nausea medications. A doctor's prescription is especially important if you are taking any medicine for nausea during pregnancy.

When to See a Doctor for Nausea?

Occasional nausea and related symptoms are typically normal during ovulation and pregnancy and are not a sign of concern. However, you must consider consulting a doctor if:

• The nausea is severe or lasts for several days.
• You experience additional symptoms like vomiting, fever, or dizziness during ovulation.
• If you suspect an underlying condition such as a gastrointestinal issue or hormonal imbalance.

Conclusion

Nausea around ovulation is a common experience for many women. The major causes of nausea during this time include hormonal shifts and physical changes in the body. It can be uncomfortable, but it is not something to worry about. Instead, it can help you detect your ovulation days and plan conception accordingly.

It’s important to remember that ovulation is not the only cause of nausea during the menstrual cycle. PMS, pregnancy, or stress can also make you experience nausea-related symptoms. If you are unsure about the cause or if the nausea is severe, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

FAQs

1. Does ovulation make you nauseous?

Women who try to understand their fertility cycle often find themselves asking, does ovulation cause nausea or is dizziness in ovulation normal? The answer is yes, ovulation can cause nausea and dizziness type of symptoms because of sudden hormonal changes.

2. Feeling sick during ovulation am I pregnant?

Pregnancy occurs after implantation, and it happens around 10 to 14 days after ovulation. This means that feeling sick during ovulation doesn’t confirm that you are pregnant. Instead, it may indicate that you are suffering from an underlying health issue.

Resources Used

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2. Holesh, J. E., Bass, A. N., & Lord, M. (2023m, May 1). Physiology, Ovulation. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441996/ 
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7. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). OASH | Office on Women’s Health. https://womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome 
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9. Professional, C. C. M. (2024t, August 9). Implantation Bleeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24536-implantation-bleeding 
10. Nausea during pregnancy: A good thing? (n.d.-c). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/nausea-during-pregnancy/faq-20057917 
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