Why does menstrual cramps cause diarrhea

Another period-related hormone, progesterone, can cause diarrhea in some people and constipation in others. Progesterone is responsible for the growth and thickening of the uterine walls, and it peaks right before ovulation.

A buildup of the hormone can cause bowel issues. During menstruation , the hormones that your body releases hormones can cause:. Ford explains. But you can take steps to lessen them and to take care of your tummy. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens to maintain regular bowel habits. And try not to indulge those pre-period junk food cravings, which can further your upset stomach and cause extra-smelly stool and gas.

Taking ibuprofen right before the start of your period may prevent the release of prostaglandins, thus easing the pain of your period and your period poops. Just be sure to carefully follow the dosage instructions. In rare instances, you may find you need to take over-the-counter OTC anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide Imodium.

You can also take also try taking an OTC pain reliever, such as ibuprofen Advil , to help with cramping. Taking birth control pills may help regulate your cycle and reduce diarrhea. This usually results in fewer episodes of diarrhea. Excessive stress and anxiety can make menstrual symptoms, including cramping and diarrhea, worse. They can help you work through the sources of your stress and develop new coping tools.

If you frequently have diarrhea related to your period, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chance. A few days before your period, start eating more fiber. Fiber adds bulk to your stool, making it more solid. In addition, consider adding some probiotic foods into your diet, such as miso, sauerkraut, or yogurt. These may boost the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut, which may help reduce diarrhea symptoms.

Finally, consider taking ibuprofen a day or two before your period. This can help to reduce the effects of prostaglandins on your body. Your symptoms could change from month to month. For a few cycles, you might have diarrhea, only to find yourself feeling constipated during the next few. These changes are likely all related to the same culprit: prostaglandins. But changes in your diet due to cravings could also play a role.

Learn more about how your period can wreak havoc on your bowel habits. Occasional diarrhea just before or during your period is completely normal. It rises before your period to help prepare your body for conception and pregnancy. High levels of progesterone during the premenstrual phase have been linked to compulsive eating before your period. This explains why you want to stuff all the feels and irritability down with ice cream and chocolate at that time of the month.

The change in your eating habits can cause foul-smelling stool and those pesky period farts. Hormones again. Low levels of prostaglandins and high levels of progesterone can both slow digestion and make your poop go MIA. If you have period constipation , upping the fiber in your diet, exercise, and drinking lots of water can help keep things moving. Coffee has a laxative effect. Switching to decaffeinated coffee may not be of much help, since it also has a laxative effect.

Cutting back is your best bet if you find it makes your diarrhea worse. If all else fails, just focus on drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration. A few things can cause pain when you poop while on your period, including:. Totally normal. Remember, uterine and bowel contractions are caused by prostaglandins, making it hard to tell the difference between the two.

Plus, cramps are often accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the pelvis, low back, and even the butt. Pelvic muscles and how things are situated inside make some people more likely to push a tampon out during a bowel movement. Straining to pass a hard bowel movement can also dislodge your tampon. Feces can contain harmful bacteria and can cause vaginal infections if it accidentally gets on the tampon string. Easy peasy!

Pre-moistened wipes can be your best friend during your period. Some common conditions with symptoms that are influenced by your menstrual cycle include:.