Periods may cause cramps, mood fluctuations, and acne, but they can also create stomach problems. Do you want to know why period poop hurt?
If yes, then welcome because you are on the right spot because, in this article, we will be going to discuss it.
Is period poop a real thing?
Symptoms
How do period poops differ from regular poop? Even though this phrase does not appear in a medical lexicon, it is a systematic way to explain variations in your bowel movements around the time of your period. According to new research, gastrointestinal symptoms (similar to those reported by those who have IBS) are prevalent during your period.
Some of the signs and symptoms of period poops are as follows:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Bloating
In addition to demonstrating that period poops are a typical occurrence, the research revealed that you are more likely to encounter digestive troubles during your period if you are also experiencing mental symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, at the same time.
What causes period poops?
Who is the perpetrator? First and foremost, it’s possible that your hormones are to blame. It is possible that two hormones, prostaglandins, and progesterone, are responsible for period feces. Additionally, your digestive issues may develop due to high amounts of stress or dietary changes (like, for instance, how your period makes you want to eat a box of donuts for dinner).
1. Higher levels of prostaglandins
Several days before the onset of your period, the cells in your uterus begin to create prostaglandins, which cause contractions to begin that shed the lining of your uterus and cause you to become menstrual. Prostaglandins, which are hormones, may also be secreted into your system.
However, although prostaglandins are effective (and sometimes painful) in causing the uterus walls to contract as part of your monthly menses (commonly known as your period), the same hormones may also produce contractions in the muscles of the intestines.
Symptoms such as the following may result as a result:
Nausea and abdominal discomfort are common symptoms of menstruation. Additionally, prostaglandins may lead the body to absorb more water and make feces softer, resulting in diarrhea.
Caffeine has a laxative effect; therefore, drinking coffee while on your period may worsen the situation.
2. Higher levels of progesterone
When you have a monthly cycle, your body releases another kind of hormone called progesterone into your bloodstream.
Progesterone aids in the regulation of your period: levels of this hormone increase to prepare your body for conception and pregnancy, then fall at the onset of your menses if no egg is fertilized. Progesterone is also involved in the regulation of your period.
Progesterone is a hormone that helps thicken the uterus lining for a fertilized egg to grow, but it also impacts the body. Progesterone may also induce loose and watery stools and diarrhea in some individuals who are taking it. On the other hand, others may get constipation as a result of it.
High amounts of progesterone may cause digested items to move more slowly through your system due to their long transit time.
People who already have gastrointestinal difficulties, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may find that progesterone exacerbates their symptoms. People who suffer from IBS, for example, are more prone than others to develop different symptoms such as stomach discomfort and headaches throughout the period.
Why do period poops hurt?
There are various reasons why passing a bowel movement during your period may be uncomfortable. These are some examples:
- Having constipation is caused by the hormones prostaglandins and progesterone, which are released around your period. If you have firm and dry stools during your period, they may be challenging to move through your system.
- You may have a flare-up in menstrual pains while trying to pass a bowel movement, which is expected at this time.
- Pain sensitivity: When menstruating, you become more sensitive to pain. You may feel more significant discomfort and become more conscious of it.
