Listen, period poops are a real thing. But why?

Have you ever pondered the inner workings of the body as our monthly cycle unfolds, bringing with it not only menstrual cramps but also the often dreaded ‘period poops’? Apart from symptoms like pelvic pain, fatigue, and the rollercoaster of emotions during the menstrual cycle, many women and other people who menstruate, also experience digestive discomfort including constipation or diarrhoea. However, these symptoms are often not discussed openly and therefore come with a sense of confusion around their cause. 

With a little bit of exploration into the inner workings of both our reproductive and digestive systems, we can begin to understand the reasons why our uterus and intestines seem to be teaming up against us each month and learn ways in which we can alleviate this discomfort and get things back on track for better periods.

Before unravelling the link between digestive symptoms and menstrual cramps, an examination of our internal anatomy is needed. A glance at the organs arranged in our lower abdomen reveal the close proximity of both our small and large intestines to our uterus and other reproductive structures. This spatial closeness extends to the network of muscles which allow the functioning of both of these organ systems. 

During the final stages of digestion, the muscles around our large intestine move in a way that allows the waste to pass through on its way to exit the body. A similar process is used by our reproductive system during our period when the muscles around our uterus work to shed the uterine lining, otherwise known as the ‘bleeding’ that occurs every month.

It is the contraction and relaxation of the muscles which is responsible for most of the symptoms we experience during our period. Specifically, the contraction of uterine muscles may cause cramps in our lower abdomen and sometimes even in our lower back and legs, while the relaxation of the muscles around our large intestine can lead to bouts of diarrhoea or discomfort during bowel movements, irrespective of whether these symptoms typically manifest outside of menstruation.

Right before your period, prostaglandins are produced in the lining of the uterus and may cause menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds found in most tissues and cells in your body. But if there's an excess of them, these friendly prostaglandins can also lead to more severe period pain and stir things up in your bowels, causing more contractions and, yep, more trips to the bathroom! For people with digestive challenges and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, these period-related effects on digestion may be more intense and difficult to manage.

Listen to your body.

Keeping track of your own menstrual symptoms can help to recognise patterns for future periods. For example, you may notice changes in digestion mostly in the first one to two days of your period, at the same time you are having abdominal cramps.

By staying active, well hydrated and eating a nourishing diet, we can support our bodies through the ups and downs of our cycle. There are many ways in which we can reduce the severity of digestive symptoms around our period, including eating enough fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain foods, drinking enough water and trying to include fermented foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and miso which replenish the good bacteria in our stomachs.

Check back soon to learn more about the role that probiotics and prebiotics can play in supporting healthy digestion throughout your cycle, especially during your period.

Need help with your menstrual cycle?

If you have digestive issues related to your period, you’re in the right place. And we know how to help. We work alongside your GP, Pelvic Physiotherapist, Gynecologist or specialist to achieve the best result for you. With our help, you’ll build a team of professionals around you so you can get the results you’re looking for.

As a leading private health clinic, we can see you for online telehealth appointments across Aotearoa New Zealand from the comfort of your home.

With a team of Registered Nurses, Clinical Nutritionists and Medical Herbalists, we support people (just like you) with period problems, hormones, acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and fertility journeys.

Learn more about how Hekate Clinic can help you.