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Sep 5, 2023 · Ways to cope with diarrhea during your period include: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, tea, electrolyte drinks, broth, or other healthy clear liquids. Use a heating pad on your pelvis or abdomen to relieve pain. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
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.
- Overview
- What causes diarrhea during or before a period?
- Other period gastrointestinal symptoms
- Menstruation and pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions
- Connection to endometriosis
- How to ease menstrual symptoms
- When to see a doctor
- Summary
People may experience a range of symptoms before and during menstruation. Diarrhea is a symptom people often experience during their period, likely due to an increase in the production of prostaglandins in the body.
Here, we look at why having a period can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. We also provide tips on how to ease painful symptoms, and when to see a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Some people may experience diarrhea during or before their period. This is likely due to an increase in the production of prostaglandins in the body.
Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that assist certain functions in the body, including:
•muscle contractions
•blood vessel dilation and constriction
•blood clotting
Before a period starts, cells in the lining of the uterus increase production of prostaglandins. This increase in prostaglandins causes the uterus muscles to contract, thereby releasing the lining of the uterus. This is what a female experiences as her period.
Changes in prostaglandin levels can also cause other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms during a period.
A 2014 study of healthy premenopausal women investigated the GI and emotional symptoms some people experience before and during their period.
Of the 156 participants, 73% experienced at least one GI symptom before or during a period. Abdominal pain and diarrhea were the most common. Participants also experienced:
•bloating
•nausea
•vomiting
A 2013 study compared premenstrual GI symptoms in people with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The researchers found that people with IBD experienced more frequent premenstrual GI symptoms. However, their IBD symptoms did not change significantly over the course of the menstrual cycle.
In contrast, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience a worsening of bloating, abdominal pain, and other IBS symptoms during their period, according to an article in Gastroenterology Report.
Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can occur in the following areas:
•ovaries
•fallopian tubes
•area around the uterus
•vagina
•cervix
Treating diarrhea
Some general tips for easing diarrhea include: •Drinking plenty of fluids: This is important for preventing dehydration. People should drink throughout the day, and should drink an extra cup of water after each bout of diarrhea. •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 to digest. •Eating foods high in pectin: Pectin is a water-soluble fiber that can help to reduce diarrhea. Foods that are high in pectin include applesauce, bananas, and yogurt. •Replacing electrolytes: Diarrhea can deplete levels of potassium and other electrolytes in the body. People can replace electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, fruit juices, or coconut water. Good food sources of potassium include bananas, and potatoes with the skin. •Eating salty foods: Salty foods, such as crackers, pretzels, and soups, help to replace lost sodium. This, in turn, helps the body retain more water. People should also avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the digestive tract and worsen diarrhea. Examples include: •caffeine •alcohol •carbonated drinks •foods that are very hot or very cold •high-fat, greasy foods •milk products •tobacco •marijuana
Treating other menstrual symptoms
Below are several dietary and lifestyle tips that could help to alleviate GI symptoms and other menstrual symptoms. •Exercising regularly: Keep up regular exercise throughout the month, especially aerobic activity that raises the heart rate. •Avoiding certain ingredients: Avoiding foods and drinks that contain caffeine, salt, or sugar for 2 weeks before a period may help to reduce PMS symptoms. •Getting a good nights sleep: Ensure regular, good-quality sleep, and aim for 8 hours each night. This may help to alleviate mood-related menstrual symptoms. •Reducing stress and anxiety: Activities such as yoga, meditation, and journaling may help to ease stress-related GI symptoms. •Avoiding smoking: People should avoid smoking. According to the Office On Women’s Health, smoking may increase the severity and frequency of pre-menstrual symptoms. Learn more about quitting smoking here.
People should see their doctor if they experience any of the following:
•diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
•blood in the stools, which may indicate an infection or other underlying health condition
•severe physical or psychological symptoms before or during periods, which may indicate an underlying health condition
People may experience diarrhea and other GI issues before and during their period. This is usually due to an increase of prostaglandins, which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and other GI issues.
People who experience diarrhea during their period can follow standard guidelines for treating diarrhea. This includes drinking plenty of fluids, and replacing lost electrolytes.
Severe symptoms during or before a period can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. People should take note of their symptoms, and schedule an appointment with their doctor or gynecologist.
These health professionals will work to diagnose the cause of the symptoms, and provide appropriate treatments.
Jun 28, 2019 · It's not uncommon to have diarrhea just before or during your period. Learn why it happens, how you can manage it, and when to see a doctor.
- Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA
Sep 22, 2022 · Having nausea or diarrhea on your period isn’t fun, but there are a few remedies you can use to help you feel better. If you’re feeling nauseous, try eating small, bland meals like dry toast, applesauce, or chicken soup, which won’t upset your stomach.
- 246.2K
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People also ask
What to do if you have diarrhea during your period?
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How to treat diarrhoea and vomiting yourself?
Reduce stress and anxiety — Consider adding yoga or meditation to reduce extra stress you may feel during your period. Get regular exercise — This can help some women with menstrual cramps. Apply a heating pad to your abdomen or back — the heat can help relieve muscle cramps.
