Does Menopause Cause Nausea? Here’s What’s Actually Going On

ByBob Burns

Updated April 15, 2025

Can Menopause Actually Cause Nausea?

Yep, it sure can. Even though it’s not usually the first thing you think of when you hear “menopause symptoms,” nausea is definitely something people deal with—especially during perimenopause, which is the transition phase leading up to menopause.

If you’ve ever felt that sudden wave of queasiness out of nowhere and thought, “Wait… what even triggered that?” you’re not alone.

Why Does Nausea Happen During Menopause?

Let’s break it down. The main reason nausea happens during this phase of life is hormonal chaos. Estrogen and progesterone don’t just affect your reproductive system—they also impact your digestion, brain chemistry, and even how your body regulates stress.

Here’s what might be going on:

• Estrogen fluctuations: Sudden drops or spikes in estrogen can mess with the digestive system. It can slow things down, cause gas and bloating, or just leave you feeling “off.”
• Progesterone dips: This hormone has a calming effect on the body. When levels drop, it can lead to anxiety, irritability, and physical tension, which sometimes shows up as nausea.
• Migraines or hormonal headaches: These are super common during perimenopause and menopause. And if you’ve ever had a migraine, you know nausea often comes along for the ride.
• Stress and sleep disruption: Hormonal shifts can also throw off your sleep and raise cortisol levels, both of which can make your stomach feel like it’s in knots.

Is It the Hormones… Or Something Else?

The tricky part is figuring out whether your nausea is actually related to menopause or something else entirely. A few possibilities:

• New medications or supplements: Are you taking anything new for menopause symptoms? Some hormone replacement therapies (HRT), iron supplements, or even multivitamins can cause nausea—especially if taken on an empty stomach.
• Digestive issues getting worse with age: Acid reflux, IBS, and other gut-related concerns can flare up during this time of life.
• Blood sugar fluctuations: Hormonal changes can affect how your body handles sugar and insulin. Skipping meals or eating a carb-heavy snack can trigger that queasy feeling.
• Anxiety and mood swings: Emotional symptoms during menopause can feel physical, too. Anxiety-induced nausea is real, and it’s not just “in your head.”

  Ask Healthy

  Could my hormone replacement therapy be triggering nausea—and if so, can I switch types?

  I’m getting nausea around the same time as my migraines. Are those two connected in menopause?

  Are there supplements or foods that can help ease menopause-related nausea naturally?

What Can You Do About It?

The good news? You don’t have to just live with it. There are a bunch of small shifts that might ease the queasiness:

• Keep snacks handy: Nausea is often worse on an empty stomach. Try eating small meals throughout the day with a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Try ginger: Ginger tea, ginger chews, or even adding fresh ginger to your meals can soothe your stomach naturally. Some people also find relief with peppermint.
• Check your meds and timing: If you’re on HRT or any new supplements, see if timing them with food helps. Sometimes it’s just about the how and when you take them.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can sneak up on you during menopause and make nausea worse.
• Manage stress: Easier said than done, but things like yoga, deep breathing, or even a 10-minute walk can calm your system enough to ease nausea.

When Should You Talk to Someone?

If nausea is happening frequently, keeping you from eating well, or making you miserable, don’t brush it off. There could be something else going on, or your hormone levels might need some support. A healthcare provider can help rule out underlying causes or adjust your treatment plan.

And just a reminder: If you’re experiencing nausea along with sudden unexplained weight loss, pain, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms, get checked out sooner rather than later.

Last Bite

So, yes—nausea can be a real and legit part of menopause, especially during the transitional chaos of perimenopause. But it’s not something you have to just “deal with.” Whether it’s managing hormones, adjusting supplements, or just listening more closely to what your body needs, you’ve got options.

Wondering if your nausea might be linked to hormonal changes?