Why Do I Poop So Much On My Period?

Noticed that you poop more during your period? Find out how hormones can trigger diarrhoea, why period poops can hurt and what you can do to manage your symptoms.

If you experience bloating, cramps or diarrhoea during your period, rest assured that you are not alone. In one study, as many as 73% of women reported at least one digestive issues before or during their period.

The most common symptoms include abdominal pain and you guessed it… diarrhoea. AKA, period poops. In this article, we will explore why you poop more on your period and what you can do to ease digestive upset.

Table of contents:

• Why do I poop more on my period?
• The gut-brain axis
• Constipation before period
• Why does my poop smell so much?
• Why does it hurt to poop on my period?
• Tips to manage period poops
• When to seek medical help

Why do I poop more on my period?

If you find yourself hunched over the toilet during your period, you can blame hormones, most notably prostaglandins. Before your period, the body produces high progesterone levels in preparation for a possible pregnancy.

During menstruation, progesterone levels drop, and the uterus lining produces prostaglandins. These fatty acids stimulate the smooth muscles in the womb and help break down the uterus lining.

If your body produces excess prostaglandins, these can enter the bloodstream and cause the smooth muscles of the intestines to contract as well, promoting excessive pooping and diarrhoea.

Period-related hormones can also influence your body’s ability to absorb water, resulting in loose stools as less fluid is drawn through the colon.

Moreover, research suggests that those with gastrointestinal issues such as Crohn’s or IBS suffer more severe period poops and other PMS-related (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

Menstruation can also worsen symptoms in those with ovarian cysts and endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in places such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

☝DID YOU KNOW☝ Manufactured types of prostaglandins – most commonly prostaglandin E2 – can be used to kick-start labour in women.

The gut-brain axis

“Gut to brain, we have a problem down here”

The gut and the brain are intimately linked, something our language reflects: we have a “gut-wrenching” experience, “butterflies in the stomach” or a “gut feeling”.

In recent years, researchers have uncovered that the gut and the brain communicate bi-directionally, something known as the gut-brain axis. Because of this, researchers call our gut the second brain.

The enteric nervous system, which controls the gut, communicates via our vagus nerve with the central nervous system. Stress and anxiety can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms through this system, and perhaps more surprisingly, vice versa. Yep, you heard that right; a troubled gut can send signals to the brain!

During the menstrual period, hormonal fluctuations can trigger anxiety and stress, increasing gut motility and the secretion of fluid. In turn, this can lead to diarrhoea.

Interestingly, one study found that those experiencing depression or anxiety before or during their period, compared to those without psychological distress, were more likely to report multiple gastrointestinal problems.

Stress is also associated with disruptions in your gut bacteria, which might suggest another cause of period-related gut troubles.

☝DID YOU KNOW? ☝ Experiments have demonstrated that the gut microbiota can physiologically induce depression-like behavior in mice.

Constipation before period

A short, instructive video discussing the role of hormones in period poops

Whilst some experience increased bowel movements before and during their period; others might find things moving a bit slower. Once again, period-related hormones are to blame, namely progesterone.

Responsible for the thickening of the uterus wall, progesterone peaks before ovulation and can slow the digestive process if present in high levels; the longer food spends in your colon, the more moisture that is drawn out through the intestinal wall.

The end result can be hard stools that are difficult to pass. Constipation is more likely in the lead up to your period, as this is when progesterone levels are highest.

☝DID YOU KNOW? ☝ Progesterone, either alone or in combination with oestrogen, is taken by women as an oral contraceptive.

Why does my poop smell so much?

Changes in your eating habits during ovulation may be responsible for particularly smelly stools or changes in the frequency and consistency of your bowel movements.

If you find yourself curled under a blanket with a tub of ice cream, chocolate or a salty snack around that time of the month, it’s likely because your hormones are out of whack.

It is also common to want comfort food if you are experiencing period-related mood changes. In other words, to want a Ben and Jerry’s when you feel rubbish!

Once again, hormonal fluctuations are the root cause of these dietary changes. In particular, increased oestrogen levels are associated with cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, whilst progesterone may be associated with cravings for sweet-beverages.

In another study looking at the eating habits of 42 ovulating women, participants ate on average 250 more calories a day compared to usual, with others eating up to 500 extra calories.

Why does it hurt to poop on my period?

Menstrual cramps can feel like a throbbing pain in your lower abdomen, back and inner thighs

There are a few reasons you might experience pain during bowel movements whilst on your period. Firstly, constipation results in hard stools that can be painful to pass. What’s more, excessive straining and diarrhoea can lead to haemorrhoids forming. It goes without saying that these can make it unpleasant to poop.

Secondly, abdominal cramps are extremely common during a woman’s period and can be more intense when you’re straining to poop. Likewise, abdominal cramps commonly accompany diarrhoea, triggered by period-related hormones such as prostaglandins.

Lastly, evidence suggests that women with IBS experience increased sensitivity during their period. Even beyond menstrual pains, one of the hallmarks of IBS is what researchers call an increased visceral pain sensitivity.

In particular, one study found that women with IBS experience increased rectal sensitivity during the menstrual cycle. Combined with constipation or loose stools, this could explain why you are experiencing discomfort and pain when pooping.

Tips to manage period poops

Hormonal fluctuations are an inevitable part of the menstrual cycle, and whatever you do, you will likely experience at least some digestive symptoms related to your period. With that said, there are steps you can take to minimise period poops and counteract any side effects:

Stay hydrated

Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, depleting your body of electrolytes and essential salts. If you find that you suffer from diarrhoea when it comes to that time of the month, then make sure you drink plenty of fluids.

It is also a good idea to avoid or limit ingredients with a laxative effect during this time, including caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

Take ibuprofen

If you are experiencing pain or cramping, OTC medication such as ibuprofen might be able to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, Ibuprofen is a prostaglandin inhibitor that can help stabilise your hormones.

When taken just before your period, it might ease the severity of period-poops. With that said, ibuprofen is a short-term, first-line treatment and, when used long-term in high doses, can lead to issues. Make sure to carefully follow the dosage instructions and consult your GP if symptoms persist.

Consider oral contraceptives

If period-related gut issues are debilitating and affect your quality of life, talk to your GP about treatment options. Oral contraceptives can help regulate your hormone levels and reduce PMS symptoms, including constipation and diarrhea.

Because of this, some choose to take the pill continuously to avoid having periods at all. Others prefer to manage symptoms with dietary and lifestyle changes instead. Both of these options can be effective, but speak to your doctor to decide which treatment is best for you.

When to seek medical help

Diarrhoea and stomach cramps during your period are often nothing to worry about; with that said, consult your GP If your symptoms persist or get worse. Likewise, if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider:

• severe cramps or stomach pain
• heavy periods
• mucus in your stool

If you notice blood in your stool or rectal bleeding, contact your GP immediately as this could signal a more severe condition.

. ☝️DISCLAIMER☝This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Can Your Period Cause Diarrhea?

While it can serve as a monthly reminder of the incredible power of the female body, your period can also bring some not-so-pleasant symptoms. The usual culprits that many women experience like cramping, bloating or mild moodiness can also be accompanied by mild to severe diarrhea. Read on to learn why diarrhea during menstruation is actually quite common, and how to deal with it.

What Causes Diarrhea During Menstruation?

While there are a number of variables to consider, two of the most common culprits of diarrhea during menstruation are prostaglandins (too many of them) and progesterone (not enough of it).

Prostaglandins, also referred to as cyclical fatty acids, are lipids (fats) that play an important role in menstruation. During your period, prostaglandins line the wall of your uterus and trigger the muscles in your uterus to contract or squeeze. These contractions help expel the uterus lining. In the process of expelling the uterus lining, prostaglandins are released and can sometimes leak into your bloodstream, and send that same “squeeze” message to all soft muscle tissue, including the colon. And this squeezing effect can sometimes lead to diarrhea.

The other common culprit is a lack of progesterone, a key female hormone that is actually best known for slowing things down and causing constipation. During your period progesterone levels are lower, which could also play a role in increased frequency in bowel movements or diarrhea during menstruation.

How to Combat  Diarrhea

The good news is that there are some simple yet effective strategies that can help minimize diarrhea during your period:

1. Balance Your Hormones — In general, the uncomfortable symptoms commonly experienced before and during your period can be minimized by supporting the proper balance of hormones. There are two easy ways to do this: first, ensure you are getting enough sleep – while every body is different, shooting for 8 hours is still the gold standard, and second, make sure your diet is meeting your body’s nutritional needs – that means a diet filled with adequate protein, plenty of healthy fats and limited sugar and refined grains.
2. Manage Stress — Often easier said than done, stress can worsen diarrhea before and during your period. Whether it’s carving out some time during the week to make a yoga class, take a walk, or even just 5-10 minutes of deep breathing each day, learning ways to lower your stress levels is key.
3. Eat Enough Fat — This one is worth repeating, as dietary fat plays a huge role in hormone regulation. Coconut oil and other medium chain triglycerides such as avocado, olives, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon are all fat “superstars”. Consider supplementing your usual diet with a few extra servings of healthy fats in the days leading up to your period.
4. Get Enough Sleep — Inadequate or poor quality sleep can raise your cortisol levels. Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone, and higher than normal levels can wreak havoc on your hormones, and potentially worsen diarrhea before and during your period.

With these tips, you can help minimize the likelihood of experiencing diarrhea before and during your period. If you do experience diarrhea, remember to stay well hydrated and allow your body time to rest and recover. And if your diarrhea persists beyond 2-3 days or is so severe that it interferes with your daily life, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

Temperature during menstruation, why does the temperature rise during menstruation

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Temperature during menstruation, why does the temperature rise during menstruation

Contents

• Possible causes
• Temperature is a sign of inflammation
• Hormonal disorders
• Rules for measuring temperature
• What to do if during menstruation it rises temperature

During puberty girls have their first menses. And, although they occur monthly throughout the reproductive period, each time it is stressful for the body. The reaction to this natural process can be different. Some do not feel any changes, others have pain, weakness, the temperature rises during menstruation. What is normal and what is pathology?

POSSIBLE CAUSES

A woman loses 150–200 ml of blood during her period. ¹ From the point of view of physiology, this amount of blood loss is considered normal, but it can reduce immunity and make the woman’s body more susceptible to adverse factors. A common reaction to such changes may be an increase in temperature during menstruation. In addition, hyperthermia can develop in the presence of concomitant diseases, among which are:

• infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
• diseases of the reproductive organs;
• inflammatory processes;
• hospital processes.

Normal body temperature during menstruation may not rise at all or rise to 37.0–37.3 degrees. ¹ If a woman sees 37.5°C or more on the thermometer, this may be a reason to visit a doctor.

TEMPERATURE IS A SIGN OF INFLAMMATION

The main manifestation of the pathology is pain that occurs during menstruation or a few days before it. Various microorganisms live in the area of ​​the external genital organs, in the vagina, in the urethra, which do not harm a person (non-pathogenic) or can cause an inflammatory process under certain conditions (opportunistic pathogens). During menstruation, protective mechanisms may not function properly, which, together with concomitant factors, will lead to the activation of opportunistic bacteria. As a result, inflammatory processes can develop, in which an increase in body temperature is possible.

If a woman has chronic diseases of the genital organs, such as sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, genital herpes, etc.), they may become aggravated during menstruation. Along with an increase in temperature, other symptoms also appear: pain in the lower abdomen, abnormal vaginal discharge, etc. Without timely treatment, diseases of this group can lead to serious complications in the form of endometritis, inflammation of the appendages, and even infertility.

HORMONAL DISORDERS

The temperature rises before menstruation and in the premenopausal period. This is due to hormonal changes – in particular, with high levels of progesterone. Cyclical changes in progesterone and estrogen in the blood regulate changes in the ovaries and uterus throughout the menstrual cycle. In premenopause, the amount of estrogen decreases, but the level of progesterone increases. This causes in women before the onset of menstruation the so-called hot flashes, when there is a feeling of heat, profuse sweating and fever.

RULES FOR MEASURING TEMPERATURE

Any adult knows how to measure body temperature. However, in women, this simple procedure has a number of features. To track the menstrual cycle, the most informative is the basal body temperature (BT). It is measured in the rectum every day immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. According to the obtained values, a graph is constructed that clearly shows the changes in BT. Normally, the graph has 2 phases: in the first half of the cycle, BT decreases to 36.1–36.3 ° C, in the second it rises to 37.0–37.1 ° C. The basal temperature graph is good because it allows you to suspect some diseases based on changes in the curve. For example, if the values ​​practically do not change throughout the entire menstrual cycle (monotonous curve), then this indicates an anovulatory cycle.

WHAT TO DO IF THE TEMPERATURE HAS INCREASED DURING THE MONTHLY

In case of mild hyperthermia (up to 37°C), no therapeutic measures are required. However, a woman should regularly take measurements, and if hyperthermia persists after the end of menstruation or if the temperature rises, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Be sure to consult a specialist in the following cases:

• Body temperature initially rises high (up to 37.5°C).
• Along with hyperthermia, other symptoms are noted: pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge, general malaise, etc.
• The temperature rises for the first time (it did not rise during menstruation before).

In order to determine the exact cause of these symptoms, the doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe the necessary diagnostics and select an individual treatment regimen, if necessary. Why you should not bring down the heat yourself? First, you can choose the wrong drug and its dosage. Secondly, you can not take into account contraindications and possible allergic reactions. Finally, do not forget that hyperthermia is just a symptom that can manifest itself in a wide variety of diseases. However, the elimination of the symptom does not guarantee recovery.

Components of dietary supplement Time-Factor ^® contribute to the normalization of the rhythm and duration of the menstrual cycle, help to alleviate the symptoms of PMS. They support good health throughout the cycle. Biologically active components are distributed in two capsules, which must be taken at different times. Due to the complex composition and two-phase form, a woman’s body can receive the necessary minerals, vitamins, amino acids in each phase of the menstrual cycle. ²

Literature:

1. Smetnik V.P. All about menstruation.
2. Instructions for the use of dietary supplements for food Time-Factor® SGR No RU.77.99.55.003.R.004518.12.19 dated 12.12.2019.

About the product Instructions

Read also

Normalization of the menstrual cycle

Reduction of symptoms of PMS

Pregnancy planning

Painful menstruation

Dism enorrhoea

Normalization of the menstrual cycle

Heavy periods

Blood clots during menstruation

Symptoms of PMS

Differences between PMS and pregnancy

Phases of the menstrual cycle

Diarrhea before and during periods: 6 preventions a list of tips

Many women associate the period of menstruation with feeling unwell , weakness, pain in the lower abdomen. In addition, bowel disorder often joins this symptomatology. Usually, diarrhea on critical days is the result of hormonal changes in the body and does not carry anything dangerous, but there are times when such a symptom signals the presence of pathologies.

Content

• 1 Causes
• 2 Therapy
• 3 Prevention
• 4 Conclusion

Causes

Short-term diarrhea that does not have concomitant disorders can be explained by a number of physiological manifestations of the body during menstruation:

1. during menstruation occurs the growth of prostaglandins, which provokes increased contractions of the smooth muscles of the uterus, and this activity is transmitted to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Lipid substances also affect the intestines. It relaxes, so soft feces come out easier during this period than on other days.
2. The rush of blood to the small pelvis increases the size of all organs, which affects the peristalsis of the intestines.
3. Banal overeating and change in eating habits due to premenstrual symptom. Many girls lean on foods high in sugar, which begins to ferment in the intestines, causing flatulence and bloating. During this period, lovers of salty foods are forced to drink plenty of water, which dilutes the feces, causing diarrhea.
4. Increased nervousness and irritability cause increased intestinal motility.
5. Changes in hormonal levels, namely a strong increase in progesterone, in the second phase of the menstrual cycle contributes to fluid retention in the body and the appearance of constipation. Closer to the onset of menstruation, the level of the hormone drops sharply, because of which the bowel begins to react – diarrhea.

Many pathological processes and chronic diseases cause disturbance of the stool during menstruation:

1. Genitourinary infections, eg cystitis, aggravated by hormonal changes and irritate the bladder. These processes cause the uterus to more actively contract the muscles, it affects the intestinal walls with its movements, due to which its motility increases.
2. Weakened female body susceptible to viruses and intestinal infections. In case of infection, the symptoms begin to manifest themselves immediately: there are loose stools, sharp pains in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever. Usually manifestations of enteroviruses pass in 2-3 days. If the next day it became noticeably better, most likely the diarrhea was caused by ordinary poisoning.
3. Endometriosis causes additional pain in the lower abdomen and severe pelvic cramps, which in turn irritates the intestines, provoking bowel movements.
4. Diseases such as gastritis and pancreatitis, acutely manifest themselves during PMS due to a general weakening of the immune system. In addition to pain symptoms and nausea, attacks of ailments affect the entire gastrointestinal system.
5. Incorrect position of the uterus, bending of her neck or myoma during relaxation and contraction of the organ, irritating effect on the muscles of the intestine, due to which peristalsis increases and enhanced cleansing occurs.
6. Algodysmenorrhea has many causes and symptoms, among which are: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain. With such a diagnosis, it is better to remove the symptoms together with the attending physician so as not to harm health.

In case of delayed menstruation, severe diarrhea and pain in the intestines become symptoms of conception. Due to the onset of pregnancy, the hormonal background is similar to the period of menstruation. With a significant increase in progesterone, the intestines relax.

Loose stool occurs a few days before the onset of menstruation. Such a manifestation of the gastrointestinal tract is normal, if it does not take a pathological form. Doctors say that the process of cleansing the intestines during a change in hormonal levels is considered a kind of restart of all the functions of the female system and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, diarrhea during menstruation becomes a symptom of serious diseases and pathologies of the female reproductive system. The following deviation symptoms exist:

• feces have an unusual sour smell;
• impurities of blood or mucus appear;
• a green tint is observed;
• instead of stool, water is poured out of the intestines.

Therapy

Menstrual diarrhea does not require medication if it is caused by hormonal changes. You can alleviate the condition with the help of a diet and the introduction of food into the diet, which helps to fasten the stool and eliminate intestinal irritation. It is important to consume the following foods daily:

• dried or fried bread;
• strong tea;
• chicken or vegetable broth;
• porridge or boiled rice without salt or sugar;
• grain curd;
• black peppercorns (this method can only be used by women without stomach problems).

Prevention

To avoid diarrhea during menstruation, it is enough to follow a few rules:

1. Watch your diet before and during your period: do not overeat, do not abuse alcohol and sugary carbonated drinks. You should temporarily give up fried and fatty foods, give preference to food cooked on steam or in the oven. Minimize the consumption of spices and sauces, spicy foods, fruits and vegetables. Fermented milk products, such as kefir and fermented baked milk, can only be consumed 2-3 days after production, since they soften the stool when fresh.
2. Cold water and very hot tea irritate the intestinal mucosa, so it is better to give preference to liquids at room temperature.
3. It would be useful to add valerian tincture or other sedatives that have a positive effect on the emotional background to daily use. Hormonal fluctuations negatively affect the nervous state of a woman, since the body can respond to stress with indigestion. Some ladies begin to seize stress and worries, which can also lead to diarrhea.
4. Active physical exercises should be abandoned for a while, as they provoke an increase in intestinal motility.
5. Decoctions of chamomile, oak bark, dill have a calming effect on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
6. It is allowed to take antispasmodics based on drotaverine to relieve intestinal spasm. Doses should be minimal, since these medicines contribute not only to pain relief, but also to muscle relaxation, so if you overdo it with the number of tablets, you can cause increased diarrhea.