Why Does Period Give You Diarrhea? Understanding the Causes and Effective Management
Why does period give you diarrhea? Discover the underlying hormonal changes and learn effective strategies to manage period-related digestive issues. Get practical tips from experts to alleviate discomfort and take control of your menstrual cycle.
The Hormonal Connection: Explaining Period-Related Diarrhea
The primary culprit behind period-related diarrhea is the fluctuation of hormones, particularly prostaglandins and progesterone. As the body prepares for menstruation, the uterus releases prostaglandins, a type of fatty acid, to help relax the smooth muscle tissues and facilitate the shedding of the uterine lining. However, these same prostaglandins can have a similar effect on the bowels, leading to increased bowel movements and even diarrhea.
Progesterone, another hormone that peaks before ovulation, can also contribute to digestive issues. While progesterone typically promotes constipation, it can cause diarrhea in some individuals. The fluctuations in these hormones throughout the menstrual cycle can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, resulting in a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Exacerbating Factors: Pre-Existing Conditions and Dietary Choices
For individuals with existing digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease, period-related diarrhea may be more severe. The hormonal changes can further exacerbate the symptoms of these conditions, leading to more intense and disruptive episodes of diarrhea.
Diet also plays a significant role in managing period-related digestive issues. Indulging in unhealthy, high-fat, or sugary foods during the premenstrual phase can further upset the stomach and contribute to increased gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Maintaining a clean, fiber-rich diet throughout the menstrual cycle is crucial for maintaining regular bowel habits and reducing gastrointestinal distress.
Alleviating Period Diarrhea: Practical Tips and Strategies
Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to manage period-related diarrhea and alleviate the discomfort:
1. Dietary Modifications
Focusing on a healthy, fiber-rich diet can help regulate bowel movements and minimize digestive issues. Incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens can provide the necessary fiber to maintain regular bowel habits. Avoiding junk food and caffeine-rich beverages, which can have a laxative effect, is also recommended.
2. Hydration and Electrolyte Replenishment
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and the loss of essential electrolytes. Drinking plenty of water and consuming electrolyte-rich beverages, such as sports drinks or coconut water, can help prevent dehydration and maintain fluid balance.
3. Over-the-Counter Medications
Taking ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications before the onset of your period can help inhibit the release of prostaglandins, potentially reducing the severity of period-related diarrhea. Gentle laxatives or stool softeners may also provide relief for constipation during the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal Contraceptives: A Potential Solution
For individuals with debilitating digestive issues during their periods, oral contraceptives may offer a viable solution. These hormonal medications can help regulate the menstrual cycle and potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of period-related diarrhea. Consulting with a healthcare provider to explore this option is advisable, especially for those with chronic or severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Seeking Medical Advice: When to Consult a Professional
If period-related diarrhea is accompanied by severe cramping, persistent symptoms, or the presence of blood in the stool, it is essential to seek medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition, and a healthcare provider can perform a comprehensive evaluation and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Takeaway: Embracing Empowerment and Confidence
Period-related diarrhea may be a common occurrence, but it doesn’t have to be a source of constant discomfort or embarrassment. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective management strategies, individuals can take control of their menstrual cycle and maintain digestive well-being. With the right approach, period-related diarrhea can be effectively managed, allowing for greater comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Why Do They Happen? – Cleveland Clinic
It’s that time of the month, and with it come a few side effects that you could do without: constipation, bloating, diarrhea… maybe even all of the above.
Many people have mild, manageable digestive distress related to their menstrual cycle. For others, it’s more severe.
Regardless of your symptoms, family medicine physician Donald Ford, MD, MBA, Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, shares steps you can take to manage period poops and other cycle-related stomach issues.
Why do you poop more on your period?
Blame it on hormones. Each month, just before your period begins, fatty acids known as prostaglandins begin to relax the smooth muscle tissues inside your uterus to help it shed its lining.
But those same prostaglandins can have a similar impact on your bowels, leading to — you guessed it — more poop, and even diarrhea.
“It makes sense if you think of the cycle,” Dr. Ford says. “Until ovulation, the uterus is preparing to accept the egg and, once it starts, the opposite happens — it’s cleansing to get ready for the next cycle.”
For people with existing digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease, period-related poop problems may be more severe.
You might be constipated between periods, too
Another period-related hormone, progesterone, can cause diarrhea in some people and constipation in others.
Progesterone is responsible for the growth and thickening of the uterine walls, and it peaks right before ovulation. A buildup of the hormone can cause bowel issues.
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“Progesterone typically promotes constipation, which tends to come around ovulation or a couple of days after,” he says.
Other period-related stomach issues
Some of the other abdominal symptoms you experience around your period aren’t related to your digestive system at all. During menstruation, the hormones that your body releases hormones can cause:
- Bloating.
- Water retention.
- Abdominal cramping.
“While these symptoms may feel like they’re taking place in your stomach, they’re actually happening in the uterus,” Dr. Ford explains.
How to ease period poop problems
Hormones happen, and no matter what you do, you probably can’t prevent a little bit of stomach trouble related to your periods. But you can take steps to lessen them and to take care of your tummy.
1. Eat a clean diet
The first line of defense for digestive issues is a healthy diet.
“Eat healthy food and get plenty of natural fiber,” Dr. Ford says. “Some people also take fiber supplements, but there’s some controversy over whether or not those are effective.”
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens to maintain regular bowel habits. And try not to indulge those pre-period junk food cravings, which can further your upset stomach and cause extra-smelly stool and gas.
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2. Stay hydrated
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, a loss of water and nutrients from your body’s tissues — which can become a serious problem if left unaddressed.
If you’re prone to loose stool come that time of the month, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. And avoid coffee, if you can, which has a laxative effect that you just don’t need right now.
3. Try medication
Taking ibuprofen right before the start of your period may prevent the release of prostaglandins, thus easing the pain of your period and your period poops. Just be sure to carefully follow the dosage instructions.
For constipation, Dr. Ford recommends taking a gentle brand like MiraLAX® or stool softeners to relieve constipation as needed. If your constipation is chronic, prescription medications such as linaclotide or lubiprostone may offer an effective solution.
4. Consider oral contraceptives
If your digestive issues become debilitating, your doctor may recommend oral contraceptives that reduce the frequency of your periods. If you’re already taking contraceptives, one option is to skip periods by skipping the week of placebos.
“It doesn’t fix the problem, but it makes it happen less frequently,” Dr. Ford says.
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have major symptoms like severe cramping with your period, he says. Also, if you ever have pain accompanied by blood in your stool, see your physician as soon as possible to rule out more serious problems.
Period Diarrhea: Causes, Treatment, and How to Manage It
Diarrhea related to your period doesn’t have to be accepted as just a normal part of the monthly cycle. There are things you can do to alleviate the discomfort or reduce the symptoms so you can feel confident and in control.
What Causes Diarrhea Before or During Your Period?
It’s perfectly normal to experience diarrhea with your period. Abdominal pain and diarrhea are two of the most common period-related gastrointestinal symptoms2.
Although the mechanism is not fully understood, changes in hormones are believed to be responsible for gastrointestinal symptoms related to your menstrual cycle. A group of compounds called prostaglandins are thought to be responsible for these monthly inconveniences2. This is because prostaglandins stimulate contractile activity in the bowels, which can lead to diarrhea2.
Prostaglandins, Endometriosis, and Diarrhea
Prostaglandins are chemicals made by your uterus during your period. The muscles in your uterus can relax and get tighter because of prostaglandins and this can cause cramps3. Excess prostaglandins can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea. They can increase electrolyte secretion and muscle contractions, which can lead to looser stools2.
Women with endometriosis may also suffer from diarrhea during menstruation4. This may be due to prostaglandins, or it may occur if endometrial tissue is growing around the intestines. Up to one-third of women with endometriosis have endometrial tissue on their bowel5. If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and are experiencing trouble managing diarrhea symptoms during menstruation, talk with your healthcare provider about your options.
Other general causes of diarrhea can include Stress, Food Intolerances, Medications, Food & Drink.
How to Stop, Manage, and Prevent Period Diarrhea
You can treat period-related diarrhea, not associated with endometriosis, the same way you would any other bout of diarrhea1,6. Even without any treatment, menstrual diarrhea should clear up on its own once your hormone levels return to post-menstruation levels. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to counteract the fluid loss from diarrhea.
If your diarrhea causes you discomfort or inconvenience—like having to put your plans on hold—there are ways you can try to relieve the symptoms.
Treating Diarrhea Symptoms
If you experience menstrual diarrhea, follow these steps to get back to normal more quickly:
- Hydrate with water, low-sugar fruit juice without pulp, or salty broth
- Consider taking an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal product such as IMODIUM. IMODIUM® products contain an active ingredient called loperamide, which works in harmony with your gut to help restore its natural rhythm.
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 worsen or last beyond two days
- Pain or cramping in the stomach or pelvis that’s hard to control with OTC medicines
- Stools with visible blood or mucus
Managing Menstrual Symptoms
Cramps and bloating are also common menstrual symptoms. Here are ways that you can prevent these issues7:
- Reduce stress and anxiety — Consider adding yoga or meditation to reduce extra stress you may feel during your period
- Get regular exercise — This can help some women with menstrual cramps
- Apply a heating pad to your abdomen or back — the heat can help relieve muscle cramps
References:
1. https://www.merckmanuals. com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/menstrual-abnormalities/dysmenorrhea
2. https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6874-14-14
3. https://medlineplus.gov/periodpain.html
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4229526
6. https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
Causes and remedies to make you feel better
Contents
- 1 Diarrhea before your period: Causes and remedies
- 1.1 Causes of diarrhea before your period
- 1.2 How to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea before your period?
- 1.2.1 Avoid certain foods:
- 1.2.2 Drink enough water:
- 1.2.3 Use herbal teas:
- 1.2.4 Increase your probiotic intake:
- 1.3.1 Causes of diarrhea before menstruation
- 1. 3.2 What to eat with diarrhea before menstruation?
- 1.3.3 Example of a menu for diarrhea before menstruation
- 1.3.4 Conclusion
900 05 1.3 Premenstrual diarrhea diet
- 1.4 Physical exercises to reduce the intensity of diarrhea
- 1.4.1 Exercise “Cat”
9 0005 1.4.2 Exercise “Bridge”
- 1.4. 3 Exercise “Cramp”
- 1.4.4 Health effects of exercise before menstruation
- 1.5.1 Antibiotics
- 1.5.2 Probiotics
- 1.5.3 Motility inhibitors
- 1.5.4 Sorbents
- 1.5.5 Summary
900 19
- 1.6.1 Oral contraceptives
- 1.6.2 Progestin preparations
- 1.6.3 Hormonal implants and spirals
- 1.6.4 Corticosteroids
- 1. 8.1 Nutrition
- 1.8.2 Physical activity
- 1.8.3 Stress
- 1.11.0.1 What is diarrhea before menstruation?
- 1.11.0.2 Why does diarrhea occur before menstruation?
- 1.11.0.3 Which drugs can help with diarrhea before menstruation?
- 1.11.0.4 Can diarrhea before menstruation be related to pregnancy?
- 1.11.0.5 What dietary changes can help prevent diarrhea before your period?
- 1.11.0.6 Can folk remedies be used to treat diarrhea before menstruation?
If you often experience diarrhea before your period, then you need to learn how to cope with this unpleasant situation and improve your well-being. Read our article for helpful tips and tricks.
Many women notice that they have diarrhea before their period. This unusual condition can cause discomfort and anxiety in women, especially if it occurs for the first time. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for diarrhea before your period.
Diarrhea before menstruation can have various causes. One of them is a change in the hormonal background in a woman’s body. This can lead to disruption of intestinal motility, which causes diarrhea.
Another reason may be an imbalance in the microflora in the intestines. In this case, the body cannot properly digest the food, which can lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Some women may also experience stress before their period, which can cause diarrhea. This factor may increase if a woman already has digestive problems.
Diarrhea before menstruation is common among women. It can be caused by various factors, but in most cases it is not a serious problem.
However, if diarrhea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain or bleeding, see a doctor. He will help determine the cause of the symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatments.
Causes of diarrhea before menstruation
Many women experience diarrhea before their period. This is an unusual phenomenon, and many wonder what causes it.
One of the reasons may be a change in the level of hormones in the body. Estrogen affects bowel function, so its fluctuations can cause temporary diarrhea. Also, progesterone levels can drop before menstruation, which also affects bowel function and can cause diarrhea.
Other causes may be stress and nervous tension, which usually occurs in women before menstruation. This can lead to bowel dysfunction.
- Changes in the level of hormones in the body;
- Nervous tension and stress;
- Intestinal health.
To reduce premenstrual diarrhea, women are advised to eat a healthy diet and avoid foods that can cause gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to monitor your hormone levels and find ways to relieve stress, such as yoga or meditation.
Causes Effects on the body Tips
Changes in the level of hormones in the body | Temporary diarrhea | Monitor hormone levels |
Stress and nervous tension | Intestinal dysfunction | Find ways to relieve stress |