You have enough to deal with during your period, and diarrhea and changes in bowel habits don't have to be on the list.
While
diarrhea can be common and caused by the same bodily changes that lead to period cramping, many women find it can be managed and prevented with medication and some lifestyle tweaks.
The exact reasons why diarrhea occurs during your period aren’t fully understood, but it is quite common and often tied to
menstrual cramps. The root cause appears to be prostaglandins, chemicals released during your period that allow the uterus, and thus the intestines, to contract.
Prostaglandins can also cause other pain associated with dysmenorrhea, the clinical term for painful menstrual periods. Prostaglandin-related cramps and diarrhea usually occur in the first three days of your menstrual period.
“[Bowel movements] can change with differing hormone levels,” says
Frank Marrero, MD, a gastroenterologist with the Lake Charles Memorial Health System in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Some women may even notice the opposite and become constipated during their period, Dr. Marrero says. Changes in
progesterone, the hormone responsible for thickening the uterine wall, for example, can cause
constipation in some women and diarrhea in others.
Women who often experience bouts of diarrhea during their period can take steps to prepare for what is about to come.
Try an agent that will slow down diarrhea, such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), says Marrero. “If women can predict when it's going to happen, they can start taking medication before symptoms start,” he says. If the diarrhea is only occasional or isn’t bothersome, you don't have to do anything, since you know it will pass quickly.
Taking loperamide or another antidiarrheal can help soothe and
prevent diarrhea. But make sure to check with your doctor before taking these medicines, as they can worsen certain conditions. If diarrhea is caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection, for example, antidiarrheal medication will prevent your body from ridding itself of the infection.
Dietary changes can also help. Bulking up on extra
fiber found in
foods like fruits, veggies,
whole grains, and
legumes can help solidify loose stool and may reduce your
diarrhea symptoms. Limit or avoid caffeine and junk foods, as both can cause diarrhea and worsen PMS symptoms. And since diarrhea can lead to
dehydration, be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
But, Marrero cautions, if you experience significant pain or bloody stool, call your doctor right away, as the cause could be more serious than PMS symptoms or dysmenorrhea.
Endometriosis, a chronic illness affecting the reproductive system, can (although rarely) have an effect on the bowels, causing bloody stool.
You can manage and prevent some premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea by taking a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) to inhibit the release of chemicals that can cause cramping pain. Taking
birth control pills to prevent ovulation, thereby lowering prostaglandins, may help some women avoid painful symptoms .
Believe it or not, exercise is one of the best ways to manage PMS and menstrual pain. Moderate
exercise can help alleviate cramps by improving blood flow.
According to a research review, a range of physical activities, including weight training, aerobic exercise, and yoga, has been shown to help alleviate common PMS symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and physical discomfort.
Regular physical activity is also known to improve gut health, including regulating bowel movements.
Of course, a heating pad, warm water bottle, or warm cloth across your abdominal area can also help relieve the pain brought on by period cramps.
Remember that a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and regular exercise can keep your belly and your bowels happy all the time — especially during your period.
Emily Davis
James Bennett
David Thompson
Susan Bennett
Chloe Jenkins
Marcus Vance