Why do I poop so much on my period?
If you ever asked yourself "Why do I poop so much on my period?", you are definitely not alone! Period poop is a real thing and it is quite common to be looking for a few extra bathroom breaks around this special time of the month. Some women are struggling with constipation, others with diarrhea and sometimes it is both! So let's take a closer look at each and how we can make things a bit better!
Why do I get diarrhea on my period?
One of the main offenders for diarrhea on period are special chemicals in our body called prostaglandins. These are being produced at an increased rate in your uterus right around this time and may cause a variety of symptoms. You body makes them to help with contractions and more effective shedding of the lining. However, if you have hormonal imbalance and made too much, these same prostaglandins will also stimulate other places in your body, particularly your bowels. This stimulation will result in "poopy periods" with many extra bathroom breaks.
How to help with diarrhea during period?
identify and minimize (or remove) "trigger foods" a few days prior to avoid diarrhea on period. For example, I need to cut my morning coffee in half for a few days around this time.
avoid refined sugars as they will likely worsen your digestive symptoms. Sugar and many sugar substitutes will draw fluid into the intestines contributing to more watery stools. If you have sugary cravings around this time, check out my post Chocolate and Sugary Period Cravings for more tips or try my cycle syncing desserts e-book "Sweet Cycle" here
increase soluble fiber foods (for example oatmeal or cooked vegetables), which will help to soak up excess water and help to reduce frequency for your bathroom breaks
Why do I get constipated before my period?
It is unclear on why exactly some women get constipated before period, but it's seems that a hormone called progesterone plays a role, at least in part. In the context of a healthy menstrual cycle, progesterone is a wonderful and very important hormone in the second half of your menstrual cycle. Amongst other things, it helps you to relax and wind down. However, if you have hormonal imbalance, this same effect will also apply to muscles of your digestive tract, causing things to slow down for a few days.