diarrhea during period? Reasons and what you can do

Diarrhea during your period is common for many people and is usually nothing to worry about. Here’s what causes diarrhea and how you can relieve it.

Gas, bloating, cramps and then diarrhea – the period can be a particularly challenging time for many. Digestive problems are still a taboo subject in our society. This can lead to those affected hiding their symptoms, feeling alone with their symptoms and not taking enough care of themselves.

However, diarrhea during the period should not be a taboo subject. Because most menstruators know the symptom. It is all the more important to talk about the causes and possible remedies.

Diarrhea during the period: why is it?

According to the magazine Everyday Health, the exact reasons for the occurrence of diarrhea during the period have not yet been sufficiently scientifically researched. However, doctors suspect that diarrhea and period cramps have the same cause – namely hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.

Because during the period, according to the gynecologist Dr. Sheila Christiane de Liz from so-called prostaglandins. These are messenger substances that enable the uterus to contract. This enables the body to shed the excess mucous membrane during menstruation. According to Everyday Health, not only does the uterus contract, but also the intestines. This leads to diarrhea or flatulence.

The American gastroenterologist Francisco Marrero also emphasizes to the magazine that the type of digestive problems can vary from person to person. Because depending on the individual hormone balance, constipation can also occur during the period. Depending on the person, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea can also occur as early as about a week before your period as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

According to gynecologist de Liz, constipation typically occurs shortly after ovulation. This is because the body releases the hormone progesterone. Its function is to relax muscles. The intestinal muscles also relax and the intestines become sluggish.

It is best to observe how your digestion develops during your cycle. If you know your cycle well, you can also prepare for symptoms or prevent them in good time.

Diarrhea during the period: That helps

If you regularly suffer from diarrhea during your period, the following tips can help you:

• Make sure you drink enough. After all, when you have diarrhea, you lose more fluid than usual.
• You can also relieve symptoms through diet. According to Marrero, extra fiber can help tighten loose stools. According to Netdoktor, pectin also helps in this regard: it swells in the intestine and can therefore bind liquid. Pectin is found in apples, bananas and carrots, for example. Our grated apple recipe is an example of a local diarrhea remedy you can try. Note that you have to grate the apple with an extremely fine grater. It should almost look like a mush.
• You should also rely on diarrhea light food. According to Netdoktor, gentle foods that can relieve diarrhea include potatoes, oatmeal, rusks and rice. Another example of such a dish is our Oatmeal Soup.
• The gastroenterologist Marrero also advises eating probiotic foods (such as sauerkraut or other fermented vegetables) if you have diarrhea during your period. The lactic acid bacteria it contains support a balanced intestinal flora.
• Marrero also recommends taking medication to slow down diarrhea before the first symptoms appear. However, this is not necessary if the diarrhea occurs only occasionally and is mild. In any case, seek medical advice and clarify which medication would be suitable for you.
• If you have particularly severe menstrual problems such as period cramps, persistent severe diarrhea or blood in your stool, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Then a serious illness can be the cause.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Hypothalamic amenorrhea: When you miss a period
• Coke for diarrhea: myth or effective home remedy

• Period underwear: Period panties are recommended