Nausea During Ovulation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

You probably already associate nausea as an early symptom of pregnancy, but did you know it’s also a symptom of ovulation? 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about nausea during ovulation – including why it happens, how to manage your symptoms at home, and when you should see a doctor. 

Ready? Let’s go! 

What Is Ovulation?

Ovulation is a reoccurring event in the menstrual cycle when an egg is released from the ovaries. After the egg is released, it travels down the uterine tube towards the uterus. During this time, the egg can be fertilized by a sperm. 

Ovulation typically occurs midway through the menstrual cycle – however, it’s considered normal for ovulation to occur anytime between cycle days 10 to 21. 

Light cramping, abdominal pain (sometimes referred to as ovulation pain or ‘mittelschmerz’), spotting, changes in cervical mucus, breast tenderness, increased libido, and nausea are all symptoms associated with ovulation. Another ovulation symptom is an increase in basal body temperature (BBT), which occurs in the days following ovulation. 

How Common Is Nausea During Ovulation?

Research into the relationship between ovulation and nausea is limited. However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence available that suggests nausea during ovulation is a regular occurrence for some people. Although it is considered a rare symptom, it is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Causes of Nausea During Ovulation 

Hormonal Fluctuations

Ovulation is a chaotic time for your hormones. To start, estrogen, which rises consistently throughout the follicular phase, reaches its peak and then falls ahead of ovulation. At the same time, luteinizing hormone (LH) also rises approximately 24 to 36 hours before ovulation (this is called the LH surge). After ovulation, progesterone levels begin to rise gradually before reaching their peak during the luteal phase. 

These hormonal fluctuations that occur around ovulation are to blame for most ovulation symptoms. Estrogen in particular has been directly linked to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach cramps.  

Want to see your hormones fluctuate in real time? Check out the Mira Hormone Monitor and App! 

Gastrointestinal Impact

Fluctuating hormone levels can also have an impact on the gut. For example, research suggests elevated estrogen levels can slow digestion – which can naturally lead to symptoms of nausea around ovulation. Other potential side effects of slow digestion include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling full.   

Stress and Lifestyle

Stress on its own can disrupt the digestive system. When combined with hormonal fluctuations during ovulation, stress can make ovulation symptoms feel worse. Other lifestyle factors that can contribute to nausea and upset stomach during ovulation include caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, lack of exercise, and foods high in sugar and/or trans fats. 

Underlying Health Conditions

Individuals with certain reproductive health conditions may be more prone to feeling nauseated during ovulation. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and ovarian cysts can impact the body’s sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations. 

If you suspect you have an underlying health condition that’s interfering with your hormone health and hormone-related symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the very best advice for your individual situation. 

Making Sense of Your Symptoms: How to Start Tracking Ovulation 

If you regularly feel nauseous, it’s worth keeping track of both your symptoms and your menstrual cycle to see if your symptoms of nausea tend to correspond with ovulation. If you do notice a pattern, you can be prepared for each cycle and make plans accordingly. You can also take this information to your next doctor’s appointment for further assessment and treatment. 

Never tracked your cycle before? We’ve got you! Here’s an overview of the most common ovulation tracking methods to consider. 

Calendar Method

The calendar method (also sometimes referred to as the ‘rhythm method’) is the most basic way to track ovulation. This method requires you to use a calendar to track your period for at least six months. You can then use this information to calculate your estimated fertile window and day of ovulation. There are dozens of online tools that can help you with this – our favorite tool being Mira’s ovulation calculator and the advanced calendar function in the Mira App! 

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method

Your basal body temperature (BBT) is simply your body temperature when it is completely at rest. BBT is known to rise following ovulation, and the goal of the BBT method is to detect this rise in order to confirm ovulation. When used together with the calendar method, it’s possible to estimate when ovulation occurred within the fertile window. To measure and track BBT, you must use a special BBT thermometer that measures body temperature up to at least two decimal places. 

To learn more about BBT tracking, check out our article Basal Body Temperature Chart and Detecting Ovulation Guide. 

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)

Ovulation predictor kits (often referred to as OPKs) look very similar to standard pregnancy tests. However, instead of testing for pregnancy, they test for elevated LH levels. When LH levels surge above a certain threshold, this indicates ovulation is likely to occur within the next 24 to 36 hours. By identifying your LH surge each cycle, it’s much easier to anticipate ovulation and plan ahead. 

It’s important to note that OPKs work best on cycles that are regular. If your cycle tends to be irregular or if you have a hormonal condition such as PCOS, OPKs will not be a reliable tool for predicting ovulation. 

Hormone Tracking

The most accurate way to track your cycle is by measuring and monitoring multiple fertility hormones at once (not just LH). Traditionally, this could be done with lab testing at the doctor’s office. However, with the Mira Monitor and App, it’s now possible to track up to four key fertility hormones (LH, FSH, E3G, and PdG) in urine from home with lab-grade accuracy. By regularly tracking your hormones with Mira, you can see how your hormones fluctuate each cycle, chart your fertile window, and confirm when ovulation occurred. 

In addition to hormone tracking, you can also keep track of your cycle characteristics (such as mood, flow, and feelings of nausea), making it easy to identify any patterns and manage your symptoms. 

To learn more about the science behind how Mira works, check out our article The Science of Hormone Tracking: 5 Proven Facts About Mira Technology. 

Treating Ovulation Nausea at Home

If you regularly experience nausea and upset stomach around ovulation, here are some quick tips to ease your symptoms:

• Natural Remedies. Ginger, peppermint, lemon, and cinnamon are known to help soothe nausea. You can find these ingredients in teas, essential oils, and lozenges. Mira’s own Fertility Tea is caffeine-free and formulated with both ginger and peppermint.   
• Dietary Adjustments. To reduce the impact of ovulation cramps and nausea, try to eat smaller but more frequent meals. It’s also a good idea to eat slowly, avoid caffeine, and limit high-fat, sugary, and spicy foods. 
• Staying Hydrated. Being dehydrated can make symptoms of nausea worse. Try to drink the recommended amount of fluids per day. For women, this is about 11.5 cups. 
• Over-the-counter Medication. Antacid medications (with brand names like Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, and Rolaids) can help ease an upset stomach and reduce feelings of nausea. 

Additionally, getting plenty of rest and relaxation can do wonders for nausea relief. For example, engaging in activities like breathing exercises, guided meditations (check out Mira’s own Fertility Meditation Playlist), and taking a hot bath can all help to reduce stress levels and settle your stomach. 

Finding Balance With Holistic Support

Navigating your symptoms, cycle patterns, hormone health, and fertility all at the same time can feel a bit overwhelming. 

If you find yourself struggling to balance it all, we would love to support you in our Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility. Our experienced fertility coaches take a data-driven approach to your cycle – helping you better understand your hormone health, manage symptoms, and achieve your fertility goals. P.S. They can also help you read and interpret your Mira charts! 

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, nausea around ovulation is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Persistent or severe nausea that interrupts your day-to-day life
• Nausea that is accompanied with dizziness, vomiting, and/or severe pain or cramping 
• Nausea that is accompanied by symptoms of hormone imbalance – such as irregular periods, acne, unexplained weight loss/gain, and difficulty getting pregnant 

Your doctor can review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and run tests to see if you have an underlying medical condition like PCOS or endometriosis. They will also be able to offer guidance on supplements to try (such as Mira’s own PCOS supplements) and potential treatment options suitable for your situation. 

Final Thoughts

At Mira, we are passionate about helping individuals gain a better understanding of their bodies and hormones. 

To learn more about how our hormones impact our day-to-day life, check out our Sex Hormones Awareness Week campaign. If you are actively TTC, you may also find our library of free webinars, ebooks, and blogs helpful for planning a pregnancy. 

Frequently Asked Questions