Loose stools before period. Managing Diarrhea During and Before Your Period: Causes and Solutions

01.05.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

What causes diarrhea before and during menstruation. How to manage period-related loose stools. Which remedies can alleviate menstrual diarrhea. When to seek medical help for menstrual digestive issues.

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Understanding the Link Between Menstruation and Digestive Issues

Many women experience digestive changes around their menstrual cycle, with diarrhea being a common complaint both before and during periods. While not pleasant, this occurrence is generally considered normal and stems from the same hormonal fluctuations responsible for other menstrual symptoms.

Prostaglandins, hormones released prior to menstruation, play a key role in this phenomenon. These compounds trigger uterine contractions to shed the uterine lining, but they can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased bowel activity and loose stools.

How Common is Menstrual Diarrhea?

Research indicates that menstrual diarrhea is quite prevalent. A 2014 study of 156 women found that:

24% reported diarrhea before their period
28% experienced diarrhea during menstruation
Abdominal pain and diarrhea were the most common GI symptoms associated with menstruation
Women with anxiety or depression reported higher rates of GI symptoms

The Science Behind Period-Related Digestive Changes

To understand why diarrhea occurs around menstruation, it’s essential to delve into the hormonal changes taking place in the body. Prostaglandins, while necessary for the menstrual process, can have several effects on the digestive system:

Increased intestinal contractions
Reduced food absorption in the intestines
Accelerated passage of food through the colon
Increased electrolyte secretions in the gut

These factors combined can lead to looser stools and more frequent bowel movements. Additionally, the hormonal fluctuations may increase sensitivity in the digestive tract, exacerbating any existing gastrointestinal issues.

Managing Menstrual Diarrhea: Practical Tips and Remedies

While menstrual diarrhea can be uncomfortable, there are several strategies to manage and alleviate symptoms:

Hydration is Key

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s crucial to increase fluid intake. Aim for clear, pale yellow urine as an indicator of proper hydration. Water, herbal teas, and clear broths are excellent choices.

Dietary Adjustments

Certain foods can exacerbate diarrhea. During your menstrual period, consider avoiding:

Artificial sweeteners
Caffeine
Dairy products
Spicy foods
Sugary foods

Instead, opt for easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, toast, and lean proteins.

Over-the-Counter Medications

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

Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help reduce loose stools
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) can alleviate cramping and potentially reduce prostaglandin production

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

Hormonal Birth Control: A Potential Solution for Menstrual Diarrhea

For some women, hormonal birth control methods can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce associated symptoms, including diarrhea. Birth control pills, in particular, may offer benefits:

Regulation of hormonal fluctuations
Potential reduction in prostaglandin production
Option to skip periods by continually taking active pills

Discussing birth control options with a healthcare provider can help determine if this approach is suitable for managing menstrual diarrhea.

The Role of Stress in Menstrual Symptoms

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate menstrual symptoms, including digestive issues. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can help alleviate both physical and emotional discomfort associated with menstruation:

Meditation and Mindfulness

Setting aside even 10 minutes a day for meditation can help focus the mind and reduce stress. Numerous apps and guided meditations are available for those new to the practice.

Digital Detox

Establishing a nightly “unplug” routine, where you step away from electronic devices and stimulating activities, can promote relaxation and better sleep.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise, even in short bursts, can significantly reduce stress levels. A 15-minute walk or gentle yoga session can make a noticeable difference in mood and physical comfort.

For those struggling with chronic stress, consulting a mental health professional can provide additional coping strategies and support.

Preventive Measures for Menstrual Diarrhea

While it may not be possible to completely prevent menstrual diarrhea, certain proactive steps can help reduce its occurrence and severity:

Dietary Fiber Intake

Increasing fiber consumption a few days before your expected period can help solidify stools. Good sources of fiber include:

Whole grains
Leafy green vegetables
Legumes
Fruits like apples and pears

Gradually increase fiber intake to avoid digestive discomfort.

Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, potentially reducing the likelihood of diarrhea. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet.

Tracking Your Cycle

Keeping a menstrual diary can help you anticipate when symptoms might occur, allowing you to prepare with dietary changes and stress-reduction techniques.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Menstrual Digestive Issues

While some digestive changes during menstruation are normal, certain symptoms warrant medical attention:

Severe abdominal pain
Bloody stools
Persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days
Signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness)
Fever accompanying digestive symptoms

These symptoms could indicate underlying conditions such as endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders that require professional evaluation and treatment.

Holistic Approaches to Menstrual Health

Managing menstrual diarrhea is part of a broader approach to menstrual health. Consider incorporating these holistic strategies:

Nutritional Support

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help regulate hormones and reduce menstrual symptoms. Focus on foods high in:

Iron (to replace blood loss)
Magnesium (for cramp relief)
Omega-3 fatty acids (to reduce inflammation)

Herbal Remedies

Some herbs have traditionally been used to alleviate menstrual symptoms:

Ginger for nausea and inflammation
Chamomile for relaxation and cramp relief
Fennel for digestive support

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal regimen, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Mind-Body Practices

Integrating mind-body practices can help manage both physical and emotional aspects of menstruation:

Yoga poses that focus on the lower abdomen and pelvis
Tai chi for stress reduction and improved circulation
Acupuncture, which some find helpful for menstrual symptoms

By adopting a comprehensive approach to menstrual health, many women find they can effectively manage digestive changes and other symptoms associated with their monthly cycle.

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