Every month, it arrives — the period that every woman dislikes. When you start menstruating, you know there are many physical, emotional, and mental factors you’ll have to endure. From cramps to mood swings to nausea — putting up with it for days can put one on edge. As if all these issues weren’t enough, some women also suffer from diarrhea during their period.
Changes in bowel movement can add another thing that makes your day insufferable. Still, you can take medications and try other methods to reduce diarrhea when you’re on your period. In this blog, we’ll discuss why changes in bowel movements occur on period and what you can do about it.
Why Does Diarrhea Occur During Period?
Experts have not been able to determine the reason why diarrhea occurs during your period. It’s believed that the hormones prostaglandins increases. When this hormone increases, your body will release it during or before your period.
Your uterus sheds its lining when you’re menstruating. Hence, prostaglandins cause contractions to help the process. However, sometimes, these hormones might result in contractions in the intestine. As a result, you’ll experience multiple GI symptoms, such as diarrhea.
Other than this, prostaglandins can reduce the food absorption rate in your intestine. Thus, the food passes through your colon at a faster rate. Moreover, prostaglandins might increase electrolyte secretions. These factors can lead to diarrhea during one’s period.
Experiencing diarrhea before or during your period is pretty common. Many women experience changes in bowel movements, among other GI symptoms when they’re on their period.
Can You Treat Period Diarrhea?
If you have diarrhea during your period, you can treat it as you would any other instance of diarrhea. You’ll want to make sure that you’re drinking enough fluids. This is because drinking fluids will help counteract the fluid loss that occurs due to diarrhea. Furthermore, you can steer clear of the following foods if you have diarrhea:
- Caffeine
- Dairy Products
- Spicy Foods
- Extremely Sugary Foods
- Artificial Sweeteners
The above-mentioned foods or products can make your diarrhea worse. Consult your doctor if it’s okay to take over-the-counter medications for diarrhea.
Tips for Reducing Diarrhea During Period
Reducing stress can help you relieve diarrhea during your period. This is because your menstrual symptoms increase if you’re stressed or anxious. Moreover, diarrhea related to stress and anxiety also occurs. In short, stress and periods can both result in diarrhea.
You can try these stress reduction tips to alleviate the symptoms:
1. Meditate Daily
At least 10 minutes per day, meditate. You can start by using a medication app. Medication helps keep you focused during the day or at night.
2. Take Some Time Off
You can reduce stress by unplugging at a certain time. Select a time and don’t watch TV or answer your emails after that. You can enjoy this time by doing something you love, like reading, listening to music, and more. Unplugging might help you reduce diarrhea during your period.
3. Indulge in an Activity that Involves Moving
You can try exercising during your period to relieve stress. Even if you take a 15-minute walk outside, it might make you feel better. Furthermore, exercising is a great way to reduce stress and feel relaxed.
What to Do?
You can try relaxation techniques, avoid food triggers, and take OTC medication to stop diarrhea during your period. Consult your healthcare provider for the best way to treat period-related diarrhea. Our Gastroenterology team can help you get rid of diarrhea and other GI issues. You can contact us at (281) 357 1977. If you want to visit us, just drop by 421 School St, Suite 110, Tomball, Tx 77375.