The increasing frequency of pooping during period is natural and the scientific reasons behind the recurrence of these symptoms every month is discussed in details.

As their time of the month rolls around, most women are physically prepared to deal with mood swings, cramps and random craving. While these are some of the more appetizing side effects that a woman has to deal with on her period, there are a whole range of personal and icky changes in the body that women are not prone to talk about. One of these symptoms include their respective bowel movements. If you have ever wondered to yourself, “why does my period make me poop”, you are not the only one.

Many women face these issues, though very few actually talk about it. They resort to using the internet to know more about why or how it happens. And indeed, period pooping has a scientific reasoning behind it, no matter how unpleasant it actually is. With looser muscles and a low level of progesterone during this time, the muscle contractions of the uterus may echo the rectal contractions which is what drives you to the bathroom at frequent intervals.

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Excessive Pooping During Period

A few lucky women may not have experienced the unpleasantness that is period pooping, but most women go through some digestive issues, at the least, when they are on their period. At least for the first couple of days, prostaglandins may be the cause of all your troubles. Prostaglandins are secreted as a part of the normal menstrual cycle that triggers contractions in the uterus causing cramps. However, the area of effect is not restricted to the uterus only. When acting on the rectum, it might trigger you to take one too many bathroom breaks during the first couple of days in the week.

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Reasons:  why do I poop so much on my period?

 Some reasons why you may be pooping more when you are on your period may be stated as follows:

• An excess of prostaglandins that can trigger contractions in the rectum, alongside the uterus, is one main reason behind your regular concern of ‘why do i poop so much on my period’. The bowels are comprised of smooth muscles, making it easy for the prostaglandins to act on them.
• Some women also face a lack of prostaglandins in their blood causing constipation and discomfort. This shows how period pooping issues go both ways.
• Most women who are aware of the extent to which period pooping can be an issue often suffer from heavy stress and panic, which makes it even more difficult to keep control over.
• Women during their period are prone to craving unhealthy food like chocolates, fried food and the like, that is never good for your stomach. In women with a period poop problem, it can contribute to making things even worse as the diarrhea sets in.
• If you have suddenly gone off the birth control pill as a contraceptive measure, it might increase the level of prostaglandins in your blood, triggering the symptoms of diarrhea during your period.
• A sudden decline in the level of the hormone progesterone in your blood, which is the norm as your time of the month comes along, may also be a cause behind the occurrence of period poop. In itself, progesterone has slightly constipating tendencies which are reversed by the sudden drop in the level of the hormone in a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Some possible ways to manage period poop

If you are having trouble with period poop every month, you are probably a pro at handling this problem of recurring diarrhea. Here are a few ways in which you can try to manage the issue:

• Changing your dietary habits to a healthier alternative about five days before your due date may be a good way to proceed. This way you can make sure that you are not abusing your digestive system before the onset of period pooping. Further, it allows you to ensure that you are not providing an additional causes that trigger your upset stomach. Fibre-rich food that allows roughage and vegetables are your best friend for these few days.
• While craving chocolate and fried food is usually normal, it will only make things worse if you have a period poop Make sure to suppress the craving so that you may suffer less.
• If you are on the birth control pill, it can control the production of prostaglandins while controlling your ovulation. Being on the pill can act as a contraceptive, but as a corollary it might also offer a reprieve from period poop.
• Making sure to check with your cycle and keeping the first couple of days stress-free can reduce your discomfort to a great extent.
• If you have any important meeting or conference that you cannot avoid, make sure to check out the most convenient and clean toilets around that you can use in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

There is nothing to be embarrassed about if you experience period poop on a regular basis. Remember that it is your body acting up, doing things that are beyond your control. While you can take certain steps to try and reduce the extent of the problem, it cannot be helped. Talking about the issue with a few of your closest friends may help you cope on an emotional level.

If you get excessive cramps during your period and seem to lose all bowel control whatsoever, it may be time to seek out some professional help. Consult your gynecologist and tell them about the problems you face so that they can properly diagnose what ails you.

References

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19916310/5-ways-your-period-messes-with-your-pooping-habits/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/caseygueren/period-poop