Have you also noticed that your bowels work differently during your period and that your poo changes as a result? You're not the only one! Your period affects your bowel movements. We explain below in which five ways you see this. So nothing to worry about!
When you are menstruating, you may have more diarrhea. Diarrhea is associated with menstruating because of the increase in prostaglandin (hormone-like particles) as the thickening of your uterine wall loosens. Prostaglandin causes your uterus to contract so that you can let go of its thickened wall, but it also causes your bowels to contract, which can cause more cramping and sometimes diarrhea.
Read also :'Why are you so hungry before and during your period?'
On the other hand, menstruating can also cause you to become constipated, but exactly how is not clear. A lot of research has been done in preclinical models (not in humans), but they showed that estrogen can decrease the motility of your gut. Because of this, high levels of estrogen – such as during your period – would cause your poop to move more slowly through your gut, which could lead to blockages. The hormone progesterone is also said to contribute to constipation…
If you have huge food cravings during your period, it is probably due to the change in your hormones. But yes, eating a lot of sugary and fatty foods is of course not optimal for your gut. Therefore, try to avoid foods that can trigger diarrhea and eat foods high in fiber to prevent constipation.
There are certain health conditions that can make changing your bowel habits worse during your period. For example, think of irritable bowel syndrome or when you suffer from a fibroid. When your fibroid is near your rectum, it can put pressure there and cause constipation.
Research has shown that there is also a connection between the emotional symptoms you experience during your period and abdominal discomfort. Women who suffered from feelings of panic or depressive thoughts during their period had more gastrointestinal complaints, it turned out. This could be due to the connection between your brain and your gut, which allows emotional stress to disrupt your gut habits.
Source: Livestrong.com
