Digestive problems during periods : is this normal?
Do you feel bloated, heavy, tired and tense in your lower abdomen? You're probably suffering from digestive problems at periods.
Why do digestive problems occur during periods ?
An estimated 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 menstruation periods. PMS symptoms vary from woman to woman, but among the most common are sore breasts, acne, and psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, stress and sadness. And among these PMS symptoms are the notorious digestive problems.
Hormonal fluctuations influence the intestines and create these notorious digestive problems. Before the arrival of periods, progesterone levels rise, causing bloating and constipation. Hormonal fluctuations also modify the intestinal flora, leading to flatulence. At the start of periods, prostaglandins take control: they enable expulsion of the uterine mucosa. However, these hormones also spread outside the uterus to the intestines, which can lead to those famous episodes of diarrhoea at the start of periods.
What types of digestive problems are associated with periods ?
Digestive disorders evolve with the cycle and hormonal fluctuations before and during periods. Of course, not all women are affected by these genes.
Diarrhea and periods
At the very start of periods with the production of prostaglandin, the hormone responsible for the muscular contractions needed to expel the endometrium (uterine mucosa) will cause diarrhea during periods. In fact, the prostaglandin hormone also acts on the muscles of the digestive tract, which can cause diarrhea.
Heartburn before periods
Some women also experience heartburn before having their periods. This is due to an increase in progesterone before periods, which causes bloating and alters the intestinal flora. You may also experience other symptoms before your periods, such as the famous "stomach rumbling before periods".
Gas and flatulence during periods
During your periods, you may also experience gas and flatulence. The latter is also due to the secretion of progesterone which, as explained above, creates bloating and gas, and modifies the intestinal flora. This generally results in a bloated belly during periods.
Constipation and stomach disorders l
While at the start of your periods you may be more prone to diarrhoea, a few days before the start of your periods, it's common to experience constipation as progesterone levels rise. With the hormonal change, transit slows down, causing food to stagnate in the digestive tract and ferment, leading to possible bloating and constipation.
What are the remedies for digestive problems during the holidays? periods
Although digestive problems prior to periods are very unpleasant, there are fortunately solutions to make the symptoms less unpleasant or even disappear.
Drug treatments
Certain hormonal contraceptives can help reduce pain at periods. Certain 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 experience pain during your periods, you can use medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the pain is too intense, consult your doctor.
Natural treatments
Diet plays a very important role in the overall well-being of the cycle. So, if you're prone to digestive problems before or during your periods, adapting your diet is the solution. Encourage a good intake of fiber by eating more healthily and limiting excessively fatty foods. An anti-inflammatory diet also helps to improve digestive comfort. Remember also to chew your food well to facilitate digestion.
Playing a sport sports during periods (if you can) also helps stimulate intestinal transit and protect your belly from digestive disorders.
You can also use essential oils to reduce menstrual painYou can also use essential oils to reduce menstrual pain, relax your muscles and ease transit and digestion.
Finally, the dry hot water bottle remains a must-have if you have bellyache during your periods.
When should you consult your doctor about menstrual digestive problems?
As with menstrual pain, if your digestive problems are too severe and prevent you from leading a normal life, consult your doctor. Similarly, if your symptoms sworsen over the years, consult your doctor. These health problems shouldn't be a taboo subject: discuss them with a specialist professional so you can find a solution!
The FAQ for digestive problems during periods
Why does my stomach hurt when I have my periods ?
The period leading up to your periods and during your periods is often a source of pain. It's the contractions of the uterus due to the expulsion of the endometrium that create these pains.
What digestive problems are associated with periods ?
Digestive problems during the periods season are very common. These include bloating, gas and flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and heartburn.
Why do I feel gassy at periods ?
It's the increase in progesterone levels before and during periods that creates bloating and gas.
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- A bloated stomach at periods : what causes bloating?
- Nausea during and before periods : a premenstrual symptom
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