health
The monthly scourge of ‘period poop’ is real. Here’s why your gut acts up
Menstrual and digestive discomfort often coincide, and a researcher who has been looking in to it for a decade tells us what she learned
TL;DR
- 73% of healthy premenopausal women report gastrointestinal symptoms before or during their period.
- Hormonal shifts, particularly falling estrogen and progesterone, signal the uterus to shed its lining.
- Prostaglandins, produced by the uterus, cause contractions in both the uterus and potentially the digestive tract.
- The vagus nerve, sensitive to stress and inflammation, may also play a role in period-related gut issues.
- Constipation can occur one to two weeks before a period, possibly due to high progesterone levels.
- Individuals with IBS, IBD, and endometriosis often experience more severe symptoms.
- Probiotics have shown some benefit for indigestion but not diarrhea.
- Oral contraceptives and anti-inflammatory drugs have theoretical benefits but lack strong evidence and can have side effects.
- Dietary changes (hydration, fiber, less greasy food) and exercise are practical management strategies.
- Research into menstrual health has historically been underfunded and treated as a niche concern.