{"id":21307,"date":"2022-09-05T12:15:24","date_gmt":"2022-09-05T10:15:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=21307"},"modified":"2022-09-05T12:22:50","modified_gmt":"2022-09-05T10:22:50","slug":"diarrhea-and-your-period-whats-the-deal-and-what-about-constipation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/diarrhea-and-your-period-whats-the-deal-and-what-about-constipation\/","title":{"rendered":"Diarrhea and Your Period: What\u2019s the Deal! And What About Constipation?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re of the fairer sex, the chances of experiencing a not-so-happy tummy during your period are high. And not just because of those awful, often debilitating, period cramps<\/a> and bloating! Indeed, diarrhea, or even pooping more frequently, and your period often go hand-in-hand. In fact, nearly three-quarters of women admit to having gastrointestinal issues before or during their period<\/a>. Why? The short answer, hormones!<\/p>\n

Why Do You Get Diarrhea While on Your Period?<\/h2>\n

Vulva owners experience incredible changes in hormone levels throughout their cycles. But when it comes to that time of the month, prostaglandins are busy little bees. Let\u2019s elaborate\u2026 A few days before your period, when your uterus lining begins to shed, the hormone prostaglandin is released. This hormone tells your uterus<\/a> to contract, prompting the expulsion of period blood. And when prostaglandins really get to work, they can cause a bit of tension further down, to your intestines. In other words, your stool won\u2019t have much time to harden as it\u2019s been told to move swiftly along, resulting in diarrhea.<\/p>\n

Prostaglandins: The Main Culprit of Period Poops & Period Pain<\/h2>\n

Prostaglandins are a group of lipids that are made at the site of tissue damage or infection, such as injury or illness. They control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, and the induction of labor. And in the case of the female anatomy, prostaglandins trigger muscles in your uterus to contract during your period and when you\u2019re in labor. During the first day of your period, this hormone is high, which is why you\u2019ll usually find that the first and second day of menstruation is more painful than the others.<\/p>\n

When Prostaglandins Lessen, Progesterone Increases<\/h2>\n

Then, just before or near the end of your period, your progesterone levels increase. Your uterus lining starts to thicken again, and this is when the uterine contractions stop. The same kind of signal is then sent to the bowels, which could result in constipation.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Bowel movements] can change with different hormone levels,” <\/em>says Frank Marrero, MD<\/a>, a gastroenterologist with the Lake Charles Memorial Health System in Louisiana. \u201cIn fact, some women may even notice the opposite and become constipated during their period.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Is it Normal to Have Diarrhea Whilst on Your Period?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s completely normal. As we mentioned, it\u2019s a common complaint among many women. But if you find that you have severe diarrhea and\/or suffer from the following conditions, it may be best to visit a professional:<\/p>\n