Could your menstrual cycle be behind the digestive slow-down you experience each month? In one study, over 70% of women reported changes to their bathroom habits before, during, or after their period — and the actual number may be higher, as many feel uncomfortable discussing it.
At Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville, you can openly share all your concerns with our compassionate, board-certified OBGYNs, Daniel McDyer, MD, and Julian Stephen Suhrer, MD. We specialize in addressing often overlooked issues, such as period-related constipation.
If monthly digestive changes are disrupting your life, don’t hesitate to bring it up at your next well-woman exam or sooner. Here, explore the link between constipation and your period, along with practical tips to get things moving smoothly again.
Fluctuating hormones, particularly progesterone, have a significant influence on your gut activity as your menstrual cycle progresses. Following ovulation, during the luteal phase that precedes menstruation, progesterone levels increase substantially.
This hormone’s natural effect is to relax smooth muscles throughout the body — a group that includes the muscles lining your digestive tract. As they relax, waste moves through your system more slowly, often leading to that uncomfortable feeling of being “backed up.”
However, progesterone and other hormones called prostaglandins can also stimulate gut contractions, sometimes leading to diarrhea instead. For women already managing chronic digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), these hormonal changes can intensify the usual symptoms.
While hormones may play the primary role, other habits and factors can also impact your digestive system during your cycle. These include:
Those hormonal shifts before your period starts often cause cravings, which leads many women to gravitate toward processed comfort foods over fiber-rich alternatives. These foods can have a mood-boosting effect, especially during your period, but they may also contribute to less frequent bowel movements and constipation.
Staying hydrated might slip your mind when dealing with monthly discomfort. However, not consuming enough water can lead to harder stools that are more difficult to eliminate.
When menstrual discomfort or fatigue sets in, it’s easy to choose to curl up on the couch over hitting the gym. But with less movement comes less natural stimulation for your intestines, which can impede their normal function.
The gut-brain axis is a complex communication pathway that links your emotions and your digestive system. This link means that the heightened stress that women often experience leading up to menstruation can easily disrupt your typical bowel patterns.
Ready to take charge of your period-related gut discomfort? Here are some simple strategies to help you feel your best throughout your cycle.
Increase your fiber intake by eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and maintain consistent hydration by drinking plenty of water — both help soften and move stool through the digestive tract.
Keep up with regular physical activity, even if it’s just gentle walks or yoga. Movement encourages healthy gut function and regularity. Exercise is also great for managing stress, along with practices like deep breathing or meditation, which have a positive impact on your digestion.
Consider adding probiotics or prebiotics to your routine for a balanced gut microbiome. This supports optimal digestive function, allowing you to process food more efficiently.
These adjustments can offer significant relief, but in some cases, bowel issues may signal more than the onset of your period. If you experience persistent or severe constipation, particularly with new or worsening symptoms like intense pain, blood in your stool, or unexplained weight loss, reach out to our team as soon as possible for guidance.
Uncomfortable periods don’t have to be a regular part of your life. Schedule a consultation at Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville, online or by phone, to discuss your concerns and find personalized solutions for lasting relief.
