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Period calculator. Implantation calculator. Pregnancy calculator. Pregnancy due date calculator. IVF and FET due date calculator. Why do I get diarrhea during my period? This is the question we get from our users very often. Today, we investigate the causes of diarrhea during your period and find out how to treat it.
Sep 5, 2023 · Use a heating pad on your pelvis or abdomen to relieve pain. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid eating greasy, fatty, gas-producing, or spicy foods and dairy products while having diarrhea. Also, avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and drinks and foods containing fructose (including apples, peaches, and pears).
- Overview
- Why does it happen?
- Is there any way to treat it?
- Is there any way to prevent it?
- Could other digestive issues be related to my period?
- Should I see a doctor?
Having diarrhea during your period is common. The same hormonal changes that cause your uterus to contract and shed its lining can also affect your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Diarrhea during your period usually isn’t anything to worry about. Some steps may help prevent or reduce diarrhea related to your period.
Experts don’t know exactly why some people have diarrhea during their periods and others don’t. Most believe it’s closely related to an increase in hormones called prostaglandins, which are released before your period.
Prostaglandins cause contractions that help your uterus shed its lining. Sometimes, they also cause contractions in your intestines, which can cause a range of GI symptoms, including diarrhea.
They also reduce the intestine’s rate of food absorption, which makes food pass through your colon faster. Prostaglandins can also increase electrolyte secretions, which can lead to diarrhea.
It’s a pretty common issue, too. A 2014 study involving 156 women found that abdominal pain and diarrhea were the most common period-related GI symptoms.
You can treat period-related diarrhea the same way you would any other bout of diarrhea.
First, make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to counteract the fluid loss from diarrhea. As a general rule, you’ve been drinking enough fluids when your urine is pale yellow.
In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid foods known to make diarrhea worse, including:
•artificial sweeteners
•caffeine
•dairy products
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. Examples include whole-grain breads and fruits and vegetables with skins on them, since that’s where much of the fiber is.
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.
People can experience a range of other digestive issues before and during their period, too.
These include:
•gas and bloating
•constipation
•more frequent bowel movements
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.
Occasional diarrhea just before or during your period is completely normal. If it’s starting to get in the way of your everyday activities, there could be something else going on.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have:
•diarrhea or other GI symptoms that last beyond two days
•pain or cramping in the stomach or pelvis that’s hard to control with OTC medicines
•stools with visible mucus
These could be symptoms of an underlying GI condition that gets worse during your period. Your healthcare provider can help you nail down the cause and provide you with treatment options.
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Sep 22, 2022 · Eat yogurt. Yogurt contains microbial cultures that help regulate our gut fauna and aid digestion. If you are prone for episodes of indigestion or diarrhea, use yogurt as a way to regulate your symptoms. [8] If yu are not a fan of yogurt, then you may consider taking a probiotic. Avoid fast food and caffeine.
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May 13, 2020 · Consuming a liquid diet: This helps to rest the bowels. People can try drinking weak tea, apple juice, or clear broth. Eating smaller meals more frequently: This can make food easier for the body ...
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May 22, 2024 · 2. Limit trigger foods. When you have a bout of diarrhea, you're going to want to steer clear of anything that will further irritate your gut (i.e., cause a poop emergency).Some things that could ...
