Uterine fibroids lead to multiple symptoms that can severely impact health and quality of life, including nausea. The level of nausea created by fibroids will vary, depending on size, location, pre-existing health conditions, and other factors. The National Institutes of Health indicates that between 20 and 80 percent of women will experience fibroids by the time they’re 50, many of whom experience different types of nausea as a result. Learn about the different types of stomach issues that fibroids can cause and how to treat them and manage them in your everyday life. Understanding the root causes can help you feel better and enjoy life.

There are many variables that cause nausea with a fibroid diagnosis. Fibroids that are attached to the uterus can twist and bend, creating pressure, discomfort, and subsequent nausea. Other fibroids-related factors that can create nausea include the most common of which is the possibility of abnormally long periods. Many women fibroids experience periods, which lead to heavy menstruation for as long as 10 days. Period nausea occurs right before menstruation and can be characterized by the intense urge to vomit before the cycle begins. This intensity varies from person to person but is very common.

Another period-related factor that can lead to nausea is constipation. This is a common side effect of fibroids and is caused by a build-up of stool in the intestinal tract. The pressure and discomfort created by constipation can lead to bloating and nausea. Dizziness, which is different from nausea but also causes a “queasy” feeling. Dizziness can occur because of fibroid-associated anemia, fatigue, blood loss, and other factors. Talk to your doctor if your nausea or dizziness leads to persistent fatigue or vomiting or any other debilitating quality-of-life symptoms.

While nausea may be a common side effect of fibroids, it doesn’t have to impede your long-term health or quality of life. Some ways to manage your fibroid-related nausea include:

• Proper Diet – Eat high-fiber foods if you’re constipated to regulate digestive health and reduce bloating and nausea. Try to eliminate or reduce snacking to get your gut bacteria on a regular cycle.
• Stay Hydrated – Blink plenty of water to improve the flow of stool and stay refreshed during extreme fluctuations in body temperature.
• Exercise Regularly – Moving around can shake impacted stool loose and improve the possibility of regular bowel movements.
• Anti-Nausea Medications – Ask your doctor about possible over-the-counter or prescription medicines that can help you reduce nausea and dizziness.

Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and Greek yogurt can help improve gut bacteria for better digestion. Get fresh air when you feel nausea coming on. Sit up, so you don’t put pressure on your stomach. You can also meditate, use breathing exercises, adjust your focus and close your eyes. If you feel the need to vomit, it’s best that you expel whatever fluid is building it up to get it out of your system.

One of the most effective and definitive ways to address fibroid-related nausea is by working with your doctor to come with an effective care plan to address your fibroids. There are multiple routes you can take, depending upon your pre-existing health conditions and quality-of-life preferences. Some possible types of fibroids treatment you or your loved one may want to explore include embolization, myomectomy, hysterectomy, and others. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of each procedure to stay educated, stay empowered, and mitigate symptoms associated with different types of uterine fibroids.