Why do I poop more on my period?
Is your poop looking a little funky on your period? There are three things that could be causing this: 1) hormonal changes 2) dietary changes and 3) increased stress or anxiety. The first trigger may be the hormone changes that happen during your period. The same hormones that stimulate the muscles that help you shed your uterine lining may also be contracting those poops.The second trigger may be giving into those period cravings. Lots of us opt for more sugary or salty treats on our periods than we normally do which could be the culprit for those suspicious poops. The final cause might be stress and anxiety. Stress has been known to cause constipation or diarrhea for some. If your bowel movements are causing you a lot of discomfort, check in with your doctor, there are always options out there to help you have a comfy period experience.
There are lots of reasons why your bowel movements may change while you’re on your period.
Just before menstruation, the body releases hormones known as prostaglandins. These hormones stimulate muscle contractions in the uterus. These contractions help the body to shed the uterus lining.
At the same time, the period hormones may stimulate muscle contractions in the intestines and bowels, which are close to the uterus, causing more frequent bowel movements. They also reduce how well the body absorbs water, making the stool softer and increasing the risk of diarrhea.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between uterus cramps and stomach or intestinal cramps at this time. Both may be uncomfortable or painful.
Progesterone is another hormone that increases right before a menstrual period. For some, progesterone can affect the gastrointestinal tract to cause either constipation or diarrhea.
In people who have chronic bowel issues or an irritable bowel disorder (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, menstruation can make symptoms worse.
