The colloquial term “period poop” refers to the common and often sudden changes in bowel habits experienced just before and during menstruation. These changes typically manifest as more frequent bowel movements, looser stools, or diarrhea, though some people experience constipation instead. Understanding the underlying hormonal shifts that drive these digestive changes can help normalize the discomfort and provide a pathway for management.
The Role of Prostaglandins
The primary driver of the digestive urgency associated with the start of a period is a group of lipid compounds known as prostaglandins. These compounds are released by the uterine lining to trigger muscle contractions, which helps the body shed the lining and causes menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins are systemic and travel throughout the nearby pelvic area.
Because the uterus is anatomically close to the large intestine and colon, these compounds affect the smooth muscle tissue of the digestive tract. This causes the intestinal muscles to contract more frequently, leading to increased motility, quicker waste transit time, and resulting in urgency, cramping, and loose stools or diarrhea.
Hormonal Shifts and Digestive Consistency
While prostaglandins account for cramping and urgency, the fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone dictate the overall consistency of bowel movements. In the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and the period), progesterone levels are high to prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy. High levels of progesterone relax smooth muscles throughout the body, including those in the gastrointestinal tract, which slows down digestion. This slower transit time often results in pre-period symptoms like constipation and bloating.
When pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop sharply just before menstruation begins. This sudden withdrawal of the muscle-relaxing hormone, combined with the contracting effect of the prostaglandins, causes a rapid acceleration of gut motility. This shift leads to the sudden onset of softer, more frequent stools or diarrhea.
Managing Discomfort and When to Seek Help
Management Strategies
Simple lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate digestive discomfort. Maintaining adequate hydration is important, especially with diarrhea, to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Dietary changes, such as increasing soluble fiber from foods like bananas and oatmeal, can help bulk up loose stools.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are effective because they inhibit the production of prostaglandins. Taking an NSAID just before or at the onset of menstruation can reduce the severity of both uterine cramping and intestinal contractions. If diarrhea is severe, an anti-diarrheal medication may be used temporarily, but consult a healthcare provider first.
When to Seek Help
While period-related digestive changes are common, certain signs warrant a conversation with a healthcare professional. Seek medical advice if you experience severe, debilitating pain, significant amounts of blood in your stool, or digestive changes that persist throughout the entire month. These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or endometriosis, which requires a specific diagnosis and management plan.