It’s pretty unlucky isn’t it – right at the time when you’re supposed to be getting jiggy with it to try and start a new family - you find yourself with a queasy stomach and feeling more like sticking your head down the toilet than reaching for your sexiest underwear! Sound familiar?
Thankfully, I’m not looking to get pregnant (the thought of a third kid heightens the above-mentioned nausea somewhat even further for me). However, I do get seriously sick around this time in addition to awful PMT symptoms before my period too.
Why is it happening?
Forgive me for telling you the basics, but ovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovary. This usually takes place around 14 days before your next period is due. Some pretty big changes to hormone levels are happening around this time with levels of luteinising hormone (LH), oestrogen and progesterone all on the increase. These changing hormone levels can cause all kinds of side effects, especially interference with your digestive system. Therefore, constipation and diarrhoea are fairly common unfortunately. The sickness is nothing to be worried about usually, however, it can be really annoying if it’s severe enough to interfere with your daily life.
I’ve spoken to lots of women, some of whom don’t even notice their ovulation at all, but some for whom it is a right pain. Sore boobs, tiredness, headaches and hot and cold flushes, are also other common symptoms, most of which I personally experience for about two days.
What can I do about it?
Medical solutions are similar to those that are advised for those with bad PMT and PMDD. Birth-control pills, hormone suppressants or anti-depressants are the most common medications your GP will probably offer to you if your ovulation symptoms become unbearable.
On the more self-help side, laying off the booze, caffeine, salt and sugar can really help to soften the symptoms - especially with the emotional side-effects too. I found that even one glass of wine during ovulation time would make me so so so sick that it just wasn’t worth it in the end (and I do really love the taste wine you know!!). Getting good sleep is also crucial around this time, as well as getting in some gentle exercise and eating plenty of fresh veg, fruit and grains.
I have an app linked to my Fitbit which tells me when my period and ovulation is due, so I can make sure I am mentally and physically prepared for it coming each month. Also to give my husband and boys good advanced warning!!!