Period poops or bowel movement changes during your period are common.
Period poops are likely due to hormonal shifts.
You may experienceconstipation,diarrhea, orbloatingthroughout your menstrual cycle.
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These symptoms could be mild or severe.
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Why Do You Poop More on Your Period?
When this happens, it affects other areas of smooth muscle, such as the gastrointestinal tract.
When the bowels begin contracting more frequently, it results in more poop.
People who experience stress or anxiety during their periods may be at higher risk of period poops.
Stress affects your bowel movement patterns, so pay attention to any mood changes during your period.
What About Constipation Before Your Period?
It is common to experience constipation between periods, usually in the middle of your menstrual cycle.
Before your period, your body secretes moreprogesterone, a hormone that helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone prepares the body forconceptionand pregnancy.
High levels of progesterone cause the cells in the uterine wall to grow and thicken.
These higher levels can also lead to constipation and food cravings.
Have you ever noticed that your poop smells different before or during your period?
This is likely due to a change in eating habits.
High levels of progesterone have been linked to food cravings and compulsive eating.
Eating more snack foods or calorie-dense foods may change the smell and consistency of your poop.
Other Period-Related Stomach Issues
Many people experience stomach issues during or around their period.
A study found that 73% of people who menstruate experience gastrointestinal symptoms right before or during their periods.
The most common symptoms are abdominal pain anddiarrhea.
It is also common to experiencefatiguewith stomach symptoms as well.
People who menstruate may also experience higher pain sensitivity before their periods.
This can exacerbate abdominal symptoms like cramping or soreness.
People with IBD are more likely to experience premenstrual symptoms likeheadachesand abdominal pain.
How to Ease Period Poops
you could take steps to ease the tummy troubles during your period.
To feel more regular, consider tweaking your diet and activity level.
If lifestyle changes dont help, consider talking with a healthcare provider.
Eat a Clean Diet
Its common to experience food cravings before and during your period.
These cravings may lead you to eat more calorie-dense foods than usual.
Eating more snack foods increases the risk of painful periods and changes in your poop.
Eat plenty offiberand drink water to prevent constipation.
Consuming foods withmicronutrientslike vitamin E and calcium has been found to improve period pain and discomfort.
Stay Hydrated
During your period, your body is losing fluids.
Its important to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
Drinking water can lower the risk of constipation.
Avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages that may causedehydration.
It can also improve constipation.
Hormonalbirth controlmethods can reduce the frequency of your periods and improve cramping pain.
Summary
Period poops occur when you experience loose stools or diarrhea during your menstrual cycle.
During your period, it is common to experience digestive tract changes thanks to changing hormone levels.
Before your period, your body produces more progesterone, which may lead to constipation.
During your period, your body releases prostaglandins that also affect your gastrointestinal tract.
To ease stomach issues during your period, eat nutrient-dense foods and drink plenty of water.
Aim to get physical activity daily, and consider taking an OTC medication.
If these tips do not help, talk with your healthcare provider about hormonal birth control.
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