Symptoms
So, what exactly are period poops? Although you won’t find this term in a medical dictionary, it’s a common way to describe changes in your bowel movements around the time of your period. A recent study showed that gastric symptoms (similar to those experienced with IBS), are common during your period. Some symptoms of period poops can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Bloating
In addition to proving that period poops are a common occurrence, the study also showed that you’re more likely to experience digestive issues during your period if you’re also experiencing emotional symptoms, like depressed mood and anxiety.
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What causes period poops?
Who’s the culprit? First off, it might be your hormones. Period poops can be caused by two hormones called prostaglandins and progesterone. Additionally, your digestive symptoms might worsen due to stress levels or changes in your diet (like, for instance, how your period makes you want to eat a box of donuts for dinner).
1. Higher levels of prostaglandins
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Before the start of your period, the cells in your uterus begin to release prostaglandins to kick start contractions that shed the lining of your uterus.Prostaglandins may also be released into your bloodstream. While prostaglandins do a good (and sometimes painful) job of getting the walls of the uterus to contract as part of your monthly menses (aka, your period), these hormones can also cause the muscles of the intestines to contract. This can cause symptoms such as:
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Additionally, prostaglandins may cause the body to absorb more water and make stools softer, causing diarrhea. This may be worsened if you drink coffee while on your period, as caffeine has a laxative effect.
2. Higher levels of progesterone
Progesterone is another type of hormone released into your body as part of your monthly cycle. Progesterone helps regulate your period: levels of this hormone rise to prepare your body for conception and pregnancy, then drop at the start of your menses if no egg is fertilized. Progesterone helps thicken the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg may develop, but this hormone can have other effects on the body too. In some people, progesterone can also cause loose and watery stools and diarrhea. While for others, it can cause constipation. This is because high levels of progesterone can cause digested materials to travel more slowly through your system.
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For people living with existing bowel issues, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), progesterone can make their symptoms worse. For example, people with IBS are more likely to experience additional symptoms, such as abdominal pain and headaches, during the period.
3. Changes in diet
Ever wondered why you reach for more sweet or salty foods during your period? Once more, your hormones are to blame. During the luteal phase (after ovulation and before you period) increased levels of progesterone may induce unusual cravings and influence your diet. For people who eat a generally healthy diet, the sudden introduction of new or unhealthy foods can also change the smell of poop. For example, eating foods high in fat and sugar lead to a change in the consistency, regularity, and smell of your stools during your period. If you’re worried about your poop suddenly smelling worse during your period, try and avoid overeating and cut out refined sugars and processed foods.
4. Stress and anxiety
Changes in mood and stress levels are common during your period. Again, this can be linked to changes in hormone levels throughout your menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that your cycle can affect mood regulation and increase negative emotions and sensitivity to stress.Stress and anxiety have been shown to affect bowel movements and can cause diarrhea or constipation. This is because what happens in your brain can affect what happens in your gut. The nerves in your stomach are linked to the brain through an internal link called the gut-brain connection. While this means stress and anxiety can directly upset your gut, it also means you have the power to help reduce physical symptoms with your mind. A recent study by Australian researchers showed that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because it helps people retrain their gut-brain connection.
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