period cycling: what is it and should you do it?
does menstruation really impact fitness and performance?
in addition to a host of other symptoms , including mood changes, bloating, cramping and food cravings, many women report gastrointestinal issues that show up like clockwork each month.
according to dr. aalia sachedina, clinical assistant professor in the department of obstetrics & gynecology at the university of british columbia , fluctuating hormones are largely to blame.
while menstrual cycle can affect bowel habits, its prevalence hasn’t been extensively studied by researchers. but according to one study of 10,000 participants, 37 per cent of women experienced diarrhea, while 32 per cent reported feeling constipated while on their period.
advertisement
existing health conditions such as endometriosis, crohn’s disease , irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis can exasperate symptoms. while age, diet, stress, exercise, water intake and gut microbiome play a role, poor lifestyle habits, iron supplements and some medications may also trigger constipation and slow down the digestive process for some women, while for others, a warm cup of joe can overstimulate the bowels.
that said, when it comes to bowel habits, there is no hard and fast rule on what’s normal. some experts suggest that an average person produces up to 1,100 grams of stool per week, and that while most people have a regular pattern, the frequency can range from three times a day to three times per week. only 40 per cent of healthy people move their bowels once a day.
diarrhea or constipation can show up either right before or during a woman’s menstrual cycle, and although uncomfortable, these symptoms are temporary and do resolve on their own.
advertisement
for those struggling with constipation, experts suggest that adding foods rich in fibre and drinking more water should do the trick. to help manage symptoms such as diarrhea, it is recommended that women avoid or minimize triggers like caffeine as it can irritate the colon and stimulate bowel movements. if symptoms persist or become less manageable with at-home care, a general practitioner can suggest additional supports for relief.