Mood swings, cramps, and food cravings are just a few of the surefire symptoms you can expect during your period. But this monthly cycle also often comes with unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, like a menstrual poop.
Here's how menstruation can affect your bowel habits, as well as tips for getting your bowels back on track.
5 changes that occur in your bowel movements during your period
Diarrhea is common
Loose stools may predominate when you have your period.
Diarrhea has been associated with menstruation due to the increase in prostaglandins [hormone-like compounds] during uterine molting. Although prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining, they also cause the intestines to contract, leading to increased cramps and diarrhea in some cases.
You could be constipated
The opposite can also happen, and during menstruation your bowel movements may be delayed. Hormones related to your period can cause constipation, but the exact mechanism is still unknown.
There are many more studies in preclinical models (ie, mice) than in humans, but studies have shown that estrogen can decrease gastrointestinal motility .
High levels of estrogen appear to reduce the transit time of the colon, that is, they slow the journey of stool through the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to a blockage.
Other studies have suggested that progesterone may play a bigger role in causing constipation. Regardless of which hormone is to blame, constipation has been linked to the menstrual cycle due to fluctuations in hormone levels.
Food cravings don't help
If you're craving junk food during your period, changes in your hormones are likely to blame. For example, the neurotransmitter serotonin fluctuates throughout your cycle, and when levels are low, you may experience food cravings.
The problem is that eating a lot of sugary and fatty foods can affect your bowel movements. If you are experiencing period-related intestinal changes, it is important to avoid foods that trigger diarrhea and to continue on a high fiber diet to avoid constipation.
Certain health conditions can make traffic worse
Certain health conditions can exacerbate period-related intestinal changes.
Uterine fibroids , which are benign pelvic tumors that arise from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. If the fibroid is near the rectum, there is a possibility that it will put pressure on the rectum and cause constipation.
Also, if you suffer from irritable bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome , your symptoms can fluctuate during your cycle.
Stress and anxiety play an important role
There is a link between period-related emotional symptoms and upset stomach. People who have feelings of anxiety or depression during menstruation are more likely to have more gastrointestinal problems. The researchers thought this had something to do with the link between the gut and the brain.
Emotional factors like stress can affect bowel habits. Stress can cause the intestines to slow down, increasing the time for stool to pass through the digestive tract, which can lead to constipation.
