Let’s get straight to the point: my digestive system seems to be on a rollercoaster ride governed by my menstrual cycle, and it’s chaotic.
Some weeks, everything’s smooth sailing. I have a regular morning routine where I feel relieved after breakfast, and then I can go about my day without a care. But during other weeks, it’s a different story—I fluctuate between being severely constipated and feeling bloated, or I’m rushing to the bathroom multiple times, like I’m a firehose. I can even predict these episodes based on where I am in my cycle.
Being a woman is so much fun, right?
I know I’m not the only one dealing with this. Most of my friends experience some form of digestive distress tied to their periods. Personally, I can tell my period is about to start when I visit the bathroom way too many times the day before it arrives. A friend of mine even experiences nausea on the first day of her cycle.
Why is it that we rarely discuss the literal tidal wave of digestive issues that come with PMS and menstrual cramps? Even ovulation isn’t a walk in the park. One of my friends gets sick every single time she ovulates—definitely not the best way to keep track of fertility! For me, ovulation brings on extreme bloating, making me feel as if I’m six months pregnant just for releasing an egg.
What’s going on with our hormones, ladies? Why do they have to throw our intestines into turmoil each month? And why is this topic so rarely addressed?
When it comes to period-related digestive issues, the culprit is often prostaglandins. These compounds are released to help the uterus contract during menstruation, but they also affect our bowels. When those muscles contract too much, you can guess what happens—you’re glued to the toilet for a while.
As Dr. Lisa Green, a specialist in women’s health, explains, “Prostaglandins impact smooth muscle, and our bowels are smooth muscle too. This can lead to looser stools, more frequent bathroom trips, and a sense of urgency when it comes to answering nature’s call.“
Not every woman experiences the same level of distress from prostaglandins; it largely depends on how much of them your body produces. Some of us, like yours truly, seem to produce an abundance of these pesky hormones.
Dr. Green suggests a few strategies for those of us who are prone to these issues. Adjusting our diet in the lead-up to our periods—such as cutting down on fried foods or anything high in fiber—can help. Additionally, managing stress levels is crucial, although that can be a tall order when PMS kicks in. If you’re really struggling, hormonal birth control might help stabilize things. Interestingly, taking ibuprofen a day before your period starts can reduce prostaglandin release—who knew?
As for digestive discomfort during ovulation, the evidence is mostly anecdotal. A quick search for “bloating during ovulation” or “constipation during ovulation” reveals countless stories from women who share similar experiences. The only medically recognized symptom associated with ovulation is Mittelschmerz, a term that describes pain on one side of the abdomen. Many women, myself included, experience bloating and constipation alongside this discomfort.
For most of us, these digestive challenges related to our menstrual cycles aren’t debilitating—but they can be annoying. If they are severe for you, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider. We are strong women, and we manage whatever comes our way, but it’s perfectly valid to express our frustrations about our bodies.
Our bodies are incredible, but let’s face it—they can also be a pain in the rear, sometimes literally. And we have every right to vent about it whenever we feel like it.
For more on topics related to conception and family planning, check out this post on at-home insemination kits at Make a Mom. It’s a great resource that also links to CDC, providing valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In summary, menstrual cycles can wreak havoc on our digestive systems, leading to constipation, bloating, and even diarrhea. Prostaglandins play a significant role in these issues by affecting bowel contractions. While some women experience more severe symptoms than others, there are strategies to mitigate discomfort, including dietary changes and stress management. Discussing these experiences is essential, as they are part of the reality of being a woman.
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