Experiencing changes in bowel movements around your period is a common and often frustrating experience. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered, “Why Do I Poop So Much On My Period?” or “Why does my period make me poop?”. Many women notice significant shifts in their digestive system during menstruation, often referred to as ‘period poops’. These can range from diarrhea and frequent bowel movements to constipation. It’s estimated that a significant majority of women, around 73%, experience gastrointestinal symptoms during their menstrual cycle. Let’s delve into the reasons behind these period-related bowel changes and address some frequently asked questions.
The Science Behind Increased Bowel Movements During Your Period
One of the primary culprits behind increased bowel movements during menstruation is a group of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Just before your period begins, your body releases prostaglandins to help your uterus contract and shed its lining. These prostaglandins, while targeting the uterus, don’t exclusively operate there. They can also affect other smooth muscle tissues in your body, including your bowels.
When prostaglandins reach your intestines, they can stimulate muscle contractions, causing your bowels to move more frequently. This increased activity can lead to more frequent bowel movements and, in some cases, diarrhea. Essentially, the same compounds that are helping your uterus do its job can also speed up activity in your digestive tract.
IBS Symptoms and Menstrual Cycle Fluctuations
For individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the menstrual cycle can significantly exacerbate symptoms. While some IBS sufferers experience constipation, others are more prone to diarrhea or a mix of both. Studies indicate that women with IBS are particularly vulnerable to heightened gastrointestinal distress during their period.
Research from 2021 highlighted that a substantial 50% of IBS patients reported abdominal bloating that disrupted their daily lives throughout all phases of their menstrual cycle. However, the study concluded that premenopausal women with IBS experience the most pronounced symptoms specifically during the menstrual phase. This suggests that hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms, leading to increased bowel frequency or changes in stool consistency.
Contraceptives and Their Influence on Bowel Habits
The relationship between hormonal contraceptives and bowel movements is still an area of ongoing research. Currently, there isn’t definitive evidence to firmly establish whether or not taking contraceptives directly impacts bowel habits.
A 2020 study explored bowel movement variations throughout women’s menstrual cycles, including those using oral contraceptives. The findings indicated that bowel movements do indeed fluctuate across the cycle, with many women reporting digestive discomfort, particularly on the first day of their period. While the study didn’t definitively link contraceptives to bowel changes, it underscores the cyclical nature of bowel habits in women and the potential for hormonal influences, regardless of contraceptive use.
Diarrhea Leading Up to Your Period: PMS and Gut Changes
If you find yourself experiencing diarrhea a week before your period, it’s likely linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS symptoms typically surface anywhere from one to two weeks before menstruation and can persist for up to seven days after your period starts. Digestive issues, including diarrhea, are recognized symptoms of PMS for some women.
The hormonal shifts that characterize the premenstrual phase, particularly the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone, can influence gut motility and sensitivity. These hormonal changes, combined with the release of prostaglandins, can contribute to looser stools and increased bowel movement frequency in the days leading up to your period.
Managing Period-Related Diarrhea
Diarrhea, characterized by loose stools and/or more than three bowel movements daily, can be particularly bothersome during your period. The primary focus when managing diarrhea is to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, which are crucial for bodily functions.
Here are some dietary recommendations to help restore electrolytes:
- Sodium-rich options: Broth and soups are excellent sources of sodium.
- Potassium-rich choices: Fruit juices and soft fruits and vegetables provide potassium.
- Oral rehydration solutions: Over-the-counter rehydration solutions are specifically formulated to balance electrolytes.
These strategies can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms and prevent dehydration during your period.
Constipation Before Your Period: The Role of Progesterone
While many women experience increased bowel movements, some encounter constipation in the days leading up to their period. This pre-period constipation is often attributed to elevated levels of progesterone. Progesterone, a key hormone in the menstrual cycle, can have a slowing effect on the digestive system.
Increased progesterone levels can relax the smooth muscles in the gut, leading to a delay in the transit of food waste through the digestive tract. This slower movement can result in harder stools and less frequent bowel movements, characteristic of constipation.
Strategies to Mitigate Constipation
While preventing constipation entirely might not always be possible, there are lifestyle adjustments that can help reduce its occurrence or severity, especially around your period.
Consider these approaches:
- Hydration: Drink adequate fluids throughout the day to help soften stools.
- Fiber intake: Ensure sufficient fiber in your diet from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote regular bowel movements.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity can stimulate bowel function.
For constipation relief, the following dietary and lifestyle modifications may be beneficial:
- Limit fats: Reduce intake of fatty foods.
- Avoid laxative overuse: Be cautious with excessive use of certain laxatives.
- Moderate alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: Incorporate foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health.
- Consistent meal times: Eat meals at regular intervals to help regulate digestion.
When Period Poops Signal a Need for Medical Advice
While changes in bowel movements during your menstrual cycle are generally normal, it’s important to be aware of when these symptoms might indicate an underlying condition. If you experience life-impacting pain during periods, bowel movements, or urination, this could be a sign of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, and it can affect the bowel and other pelvic organs. If you suspect endometriosis based on severe pain or disruptive bowel symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.
To better understand your bowel patterns and period-related symptoms, consider using CDHF’s myIBS app. This tool allows you to track your symptoms, medications, diet, and menstrual cycle details. Utilizing the daily journal feature can provide valuable insights into the correlation between your period and bowel habits, aiding in discussions with your healthcare provider if needed.
References:
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-do-you-poop-more-on-your-period/
- Pati, Girish K et al. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Menstrual Cycle.” Cureus vol. 13,1 e12692. 14 Jan. 2021, doi:10.7759/cureus.12692
- Judkins, T.C., Dennis-Wall, J.C., Sims, S.M. et al. Stool frequency and form and gastrointestinal symptoms differ by day of the menstrual cycle in healthy adult women taking oral contraceptives: a prospective observational study. BMC Women’s Health 20, 136 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-020-01000-x
- https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/period/diarrhea-before-during-period
- https://cdhf.ca/en/digestive-conditions/constipation/
- Wald A, Van Thiel DH, Hoechstetter L, Gavaler JS, Egler KM, Verm R, Scott L, Lester R. (1981) ‘Gastrointestinal transit: the effect of the menstrual cycle’. Gastroenterology. Jun;80(6):1497-500. PubMed PMID: 7227774
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
