Diarrhea before period due. Managing Diarrhea During and Before Your Period: Causes and Effective Solutions

23.12.202215.07.2023 by alexxlab

What causes diarrhea before and during menstruation. How can you effectively manage period-related digestive issues. Which lifestyle changes and treatments can help alleviate menstrual diarrhea.

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The Link Between Menstruation and Digestive Disturbances

Many women experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, in the days leading up to and during their menstrual periods. While not always pleasant, this phenomenon is quite common and typically not cause for major concern. Understanding the connection between your menstrual cycle and digestive system can help you better manage these symptoms.

How Common is Period-Related Diarrhea?

Research indicates that diarrhea associated with menstruation affects a significant portion of women. A 2014 study involving 156 participants found that 24% reported diarrhea before their period started, while 28% experienced diarrhea during menstruation. These numbers suggest that roughly one in four women may deal with this issue regularly.

The Role of Hormones in Menstrual Diarrhea

The primary culprit behind period-related digestive issues appears to be hormonal fluctuations, particularly the release of prostaglandins. These hormone-like substances play a crucial role in the menstrual process but can also affect the gastrointestinal tract in several ways:

Promoting uterine contractions to shed the uterine lining
Potentially causing intestinal contractions, leading to various GI symptoms
Reducing the rate of food absorption in the intestines
Increasing electrolyte secretions in the gut

These combined effects can result in food moving more quickly through the digestive system, potentially leading to diarrhea.

Managing Period-Related Diarrhea: Practical Strategies

While you may not be able to completely prevent diarrhea associated with your menstrual cycle, there are several effective strategies to manage and minimize its impact:

Hydration is Key

When dealing with diarrhea, maintaining proper hydration is crucial. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to consume enough liquids so that your urine remains pale yellow in color.

Dietary Adjustments

Certain foods can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. During your period, it’s advisable to avoid or limit consumption of:

Artificial sweeteners
Caffeine
Dairy products
Spicy foods
Excessively sugary foods

Over-the-Counter Medications

In some cases, over-the-counter medications can provide relief. Options include:

Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium)
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) to address cramping

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen.

Long-Term Solutions for Menstrual Diarrhea

For those who experience recurring issues with diarrhea during their menstrual cycle, several long-term strategies may prove beneficial:

Birth Control Options

Hormonal birth control methods can help regulate your menstrual cycle and potentially reduce associated symptoms, including diarrhea. Some women even opt to skip the placebo week of pills to avoid having a period altogether, which can lead to fewer episodes of digestive disturbances.

It’s essential to discuss this option with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s suitable for your individual needs and medical history.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate menstrual symptoms, including cramping and diarrhea. Incorporating stress-reduction practices into your routine may help alleviate these issues:

Meditation: Set aside 10 minutes daily for mindfulness practice. Meditation apps can be helpful for beginners.
Digital detox: Establish a nightly cut-off time for electronic devices to promote relaxation.
Regular exercise: Even short periods of physical activity, like a 15-minute walk, can significantly reduce stress levels.

If stress management proves challenging, consider seeking support from a mental health professional who can provide personalized coping strategies.

Preventive Measures for Period-Related Diarrhea

While it may not be possible to completely prevent diarrhea associated with your menstrual cycle, certain preventive measures can help reduce its frequency and severity:

Increase Fiber Intake

In the days leading up to your period, gradually increase your consumption of fiber-rich foods. Fiber adds bulk to stool, making it more solid and potentially reducing the likelihood of diarrhea. Good sources of dietary fiber include:

Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats)
Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
Fruits (apples, pears, berries)
Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes)
Nuts and seeds

Aim to increase fiber intake slowly to avoid digestive discomfort, and ensure you’re drinking enough water to help the fiber move through your system effectively.

Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health, may help regulate bowel movements and reduce diarrhea. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet or taking a high-quality probiotic supplement. Some good food sources of probiotics include:

Yogurt with live cultures
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Kombucha

If opting for a supplement, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate strain and dosage for your needs.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Menstrual Diarrhea

While period-related diarrhea is generally not a cause for major concern, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience:

Severe or persistent diarrhea that interferes with daily activities
Signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dark urine, dizziness)
Blood in your stool
Unexplained weight loss
Fever accompanying diarrhea
Severe abdominal pain

These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation and treatment.

The Connection Between Menstrual Symptoms and Mental Health

Interestingly, the 2014 study mentioned earlier found a correlation between mental health and the severity of menstrual symptoms, including diarrhea. Women who reported feelings of depression or anxiety experienced higher rates of gastrointestinal symptoms during their periods.

This connection highlights the complex interplay between mental and physical health. It also underscores the importance of addressing both aspects when managing menstrual symptoms:

Holistic Approach to Menstrual Health

Regular exercise: Physical activity can improve both mood and physical symptoms associated with menstruation.
Balanced diet: Proper nutrition supports overall health and can help regulate hormonal fluctuations.
Adequate sleep: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support mental and physical well-being.
Mindfulness practices: Techniques like meditation or yoga can help manage stress and improve body awareness.
Social support: Maintain connections with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to discuss your experiences with trusted individuals.

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of menstrual health, you may find greater success in managing symptoms like diarrhea.

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle: A Key to Better Management

Gaining a deeper understanding of your menstrual cycle can be instrumental in managing period-related symptoms, including diarrhea. By tracking your cycle and associated symptoms, you can better predict and prepare for potential digestive issues:

Menstrual Tracking Methods

Calendar method: Mark the start and end dates of your period on a physical or digital calendar.
Mobile apps: Numerous apps are available that allow you to log your period dates, symptoms, and other relevant information.
Symptom journaling: Keep a detailed record of physical and emotional changes throughout your cycle.

By consistently tracking your cycle over several months, you may notice patterns in your digestive symptoms. This information can help you implement preventive measures more effectively, such as adjusting your diet or starting stress-reduction techniques in advance of anticipated symptoms.

Hormonal Fluctuations Throughout the Cycle

Understanding the hormonal changes that occur during different phases of your menstrual cycle can provide insight into why certain symptoms, like diarrhea, may arise:

Follicular phase: Estrogen levels rise, potentially improving mood and energy levels.
Ovulation: Estrogen peaks and then drops, which some women may find affects their digestive system.
Luteal phase: Progesterone increases, which can slow digestion for some women. As this hormone drops near the end of the cycle, it may contribute to diarrhea.
Menstrual phase: Both estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, and prostaglandin production increases, potentially leading to diarrhea and other GI symptoms.

By recognizing these patterns, you can better anticipate and prepare for potential digestive changes throughout your cycle.

Exploring Alternative Therapies for Menstrual Symptoms

While conventional treatments are often effective for managing period-related diarrhea, some women find relief through alternative or complementary therapies. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these methods can vary from person to person, and scientific evidence supporting their use may be limited. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new treatments:

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have traditionally been used to address menstrual symptoms, including digestive issues:

Chamomile tea: Known for its calming properties, it may help soothe the digestive tract.
Ginger: Can help reduce inflammation and ease nausea.
Peppermint: May help relieve digestive discomfort and reduce cramping.
Fennel: Traditionally used to ease menstrual cramps and bloating.

Acupuncture

Some women report relief from menstrual symptoms, including digestive issues, through acupuncture treatments. This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow.

Essential Oils

Aromatherapy using essential oils may help alleviate some menstrual symptoms:

Lavender: Known for its calming properties, may help reduce stress and improve sleep.
Clary sage: Traditionally used to balance hormones and reduce cramping.
Peppermint: May help ease nausea and improve digestion.

Essential oils should be used with caution and properly diluted. Never ingest essential oils without professional guidance.

Heat Therapy

Applying heat to the lower abdomen can help relax muscles and potentially reduce both menstrual cramps and associated digestive discomfort. Options include:

Heating pads
Hot water bottles
Warm baths

While these alternative therapies may provide relief for some individuals, it’s crucial to approach them as complementary to, rather than replacements for, conventional medical advice and treatments. Always discuss any new treatments or supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

By combining a thorough understanding of your menstrual cycle with a range of management strategies – from dietary adjustments and stress reduction to medication and alternative therapies – you can develop a personalized approach to effectively manage period-related diarrhea and other symptoms. Remember that what works best may vary from person to person, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to find the right combination of techniques for you.

Diarrhea During Period and Before Period: How to Manage It

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on June 28, 2019

It’s not exactly pleasant, but it’s normal to have diarrhea before and during your period. The same hormonal changes that cause your uterus to contract and shed its lining can also affect your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

While it usually isn’t anything to worry about, there are steps you can take to either prevent or reduce diarrhea related to your period.

Experts don’t know exactly why some people have diarrhea during their periods and others don’t. Most believe it’s closely related to an increase in hormones called prostaglandins, which are released before your period.

Prostaglandins cause contractions that help your uterus shed its lining. Sometimes, they also cause contractions in your intestines, which can cause a range of GI symptoms, including diarrhea.

They also reduce the intestine’s rate of food absorption, which makes food pass through your colon faster. Prostaglandins can also increase electrolyte secretions, which can lead to diarrhea.

It’s a pretty common issue, too. A 2014 study involving 156 women found that abdominal pain and diarrhea were the most common period-related GI symptoms.

Of the women surveyed, 24 percent reported diarrhea before starting their periods, and 28 percent experienced diarrhea symptoms during their periods. Those with feelings of depression or anxiety reported even higher rates of GI symptoms.

You can treat period-related diarrhea the same way you would any other bout of diarrhea.

First, make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to counteract the fluid loss from diarrhea. As a general rule, you’ve been drinking enough fluids when your urine is pale yellow.

In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid foods known to make diarrhea worse, including:

artificial sweeteners
caffeine
dairy products
spicy foods
very sugary foods

In rare instances, you may find you need to take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium). You can also take also try taking an OTC pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil), to help with cramping.

Birth control

Taking birth control pills may help regulate your cycle and reduce diarrhea. Some even skip their placebo week of pills so they don’t have a period. This usually results in fewer episodes of diarrhea.

Talk to your healthcare provider to find the right option for you.

Stress reduction

In addition to the tips above, it’s important to take steps to reduce stress. Excessive stress and anxiety can make menstrual symptoms, including cramping and diarrhea, worse.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Meditate. Set aside 10 minutes per day for meditation. This can help you focus your mind day or night. If you’re not sure where to start, try using a meditation app.
Unplug. Decide a time at night when you unplug and stop answering your emails or watching television. This can help you quiet your mind and reduce stress.
Get moving. Exercise helps to relieve stress, even if it’s just a 15-minute walk outside.

If you find that you’re having a hard time staying on top of your stress, consider reaching out to a therapist or other mental health professional. They can help you work through the sources of your stress and develop new coping tools.

If you frequently have diarrhea related to your period, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chance.

A few days before your period, start eating more fiber. Fiber adds bulk to your stool, making it more solid. Examples include whole-grain breads and fruits and vegetables with skins on them, since that’s where much of the fiber is.

In addition, consider adding some probiotic foods into your diet, such as miso, sauerkraut, or yogurt. These may boost the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut, which may help reduce diarrhea symptoms.

Finally, consider taking ibuprofen a day or two before your period. This can help to reduce the effects of prostaglandins on your body.

People can experience a range of other digestive issues before and during their period, too.

These include:

gas and bloating
constipation
more frequent bowel movements

Your symptoms could change from month to month. For a few cycles, you might have diarrhea, only to find yourself feeling constipated during the next few.

These changes are likely all related to the same culprit: prostaglandins. But changes in your diet due to cravings could also play a role.

Learn more about how your period can wreak havoc on your bowel habits.

Occasional diarrhea just before or during your period is completely normal. If it’s starting to get in the way of your everyday activities, there could be something else going on.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have:

diarrhea or other GI symptoms that last beyond two days
pain or cramping in the stomach or pelvis that’s hard to control with OTC medicines
stools with visible mucus

These could be symptoms of an underlying GI condition that gets worse during your period. Your healthcare provider can help you nail down the cause and provide you with treatment options.

Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bernstein MT, et al. (2014). Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. DOI:
10.1186/1472-6874-14-14
Bharadwaj S, et al. (2015). Symptomatology of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease during the menstrual cycle. DOI:
10.1093/gastro/gov010
Lim SM, et al. (2013). The effect of the menstrual cycle on inflammatory bowel disease: A prospective study.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3572320/
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). (2018).
womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome
Problems of the digestive system. (2014).
acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Problems-of-the-Digestive-System?IsMobileSet=false

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on June 28, 2019