Digestive problems during menstruation: is this normal?

Do you feel bloated, heavy, tired and have a tightness in your lower abdomen? You are probably suffering from digestive problems during your period.


Summary

Why do digestive disorders occur during menstruation?

It is estimated that 80% of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is a set of symptoms that occur a week or even a few days before the first day of your period. PMS symptoms vary from woman to woman, but the most common symptoms include sore breasts, acne, psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, stress and sadness. And among these PMS symptoms are also the famous digestive disorders.

It is the hormonal fluctuations that affect the intestines and create these famous digestive problems. Before the arrival of the period, the level of progesterone increases, which will create bloating and constipation. Hormonal fluctuations also modify the intestinal flora, which can lead to flatulence. At the beginning of menstruation, prostaglandins take control: they allow the expulsion of the uterine mucosa. But these hormones also disperse outside the uterus to the intestines, which can create those famous episodes of diarrhea at the beginning of the period.

What types of digestive problems are associated with menstruation?

Digestive problems evolve with the cycle and hormonal fluctuations before and during your period. Of course, not all women are affected by these genes.

Diarrhea and menstruation

At the very beginning of menstruation with the production of prostaglandin, a hormone responsible for the muscular contractions necessary for the expulsion of the endometrium (uterine mucous membrane) will cause diarrhea during menstruation. Indeed, the prostaglandin hormone will also act on the muscles of the digestive tract, which can cause diarrhea.

Heartburn before your period

Some women also experience heartburn before they get their period. This is because progesterone increases before your period, which will create bloating and change your gut flora. You may also experience other symptoms before your period, such as the famous "pre-menstrual rumbling stomach".

Gas and flatulence during your period

During your period, you may also experience gas and flatulence. This is also due to the secretion of progesterone which, as explained above, creates bloating, gas and changes the intestinal flora. This usually results in a bloated belly during menstruation.

Constipation and stomach disorders

If at the beginning of your period you can more easily be subject to diarrhea, a few days before the beginning of your period, it is common to be subject to constipation with the increase in blood concentration of progesterone. With the hormonal change, the transit will be slowed down, which leads to stagnation of food in the digestive tract as well as fermentation and therefore possible bloating and constipation.

What are the remedies for digestive disorders during menstruation?

Even though digestive disorders before menstruation are very unpleasant, there are fortunately solutions to make the symptoms less unpleasant or even disappear.

Medicated treatments

Some hormonal contraceptives can help reduce period pain. Some medications such as antispasmodics can help reduce painful spasms.

For constipation, there are laxatives, and conversely, if you suffer from diarrhea, you can use slow-release drugs like smecta.

If you have pain during your period, you can use medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the pain is too severe, consult your doctor.

Natural treatments

Diet plays a very important role in the overall well-being of the cycle. So if you are prone to digestive problems before or during your period, adapting your diet is the solution to adopt. Encourage a good intake of fiber by eating more healthily and limiting foods that are too fatty. An anti-inflammatory diet also allows for better digestive comfort. Also remember to chew your food well to facilitate digestion.

Practicing a sports during your period (if you can) will also help stimulate intestinal transit and protect your belly from digestive problems.

You can also use essential oils to reduce menstrual painYou can also use essential oils to reduce menstrual pain, to relax your muscles or to facilitate your transit and digestion.

Finally, the dry hot water bottle remains a must-have if you have stomach pain during your period.

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When should I consult my doctor about digestive problems during my period?

As with menstrual pain, if your digestive problems are too severe and prevent you from living a normal life, consult your doctor. Similarly, if your symptoms worsen over time, see your doctor. These health problems should not be a taboo subject: talk about them with a professional specialist so that you can find a solution to these ailments!


Digestive disorders during menstruation FAQ

Why does my stomach hurt when I have my period?

The period before your period and during your period is often a source of pain. It is the contractions of the uterus due to the expulsion of the endometrium that will create these pains.

What are the digestive problems associated with menstruation?

Digestive problems during the period are very common. They include bloating, gas and flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and heartburn.

Why do I have gas during my period?

It is the increase in progesterone levels before and during your period that will create bloating and gas.

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