Why does diarrhea occur during and before menstruation?


Diarrhea and its types

Before you find out why you have diarrhea during your period, you need to know something about this process. Diarrhea can have two forms: acute and chronic. In the first case, it begins suddenly, is difficult and ends quickly. Chronic diarrhea can torment the patient for a long time (more than a month), but becomes dangerous to health.

Diarrhea is classified as follows:

  • hypokinetic (occurs when the passage of feces through the intestines slows down, the discharge has an unpleasant odor and a mushy consistency);
  • hypersecretory (occurs due to decreased absorption of salts and water from the intestines, liquid feces are noted);
  • hyperkinetic (characterized by frequent urges, the cause of which is increased peristalsis);
  • hyperexudative (liquid seeps into the inflamed intestines and causes soft, light stools);
  • osmolar (characterized by impaired digestion of food, food debris can be seen in abundantly excreted feces).

Depending on the type of diarrhea and its causes, individual treatment is selected. But only a specialist can determine the diagnosis with reliable accuracy. If you are concerned about why you have diarrhea during menstruation, consult a doctor for a diagnosis.

When loose stools can be considered a pathology

There is an opinion that diarrhea that occurs during menstruation is only beneficial for the body: this way it is cleansed of toxins and waste, rejuvenated, and healthier. But sometimes repeated loose stools are not caused by changes in hormonal balance, but are associated with an aggravated illness. A woman needs to monitor the possible appearance of unpleasant symptoms, as well as evaluate the characteristics of bowel movements.

Loose pathological stools during menstruation are characterized by:

  • Repulsive putrid odor.
  • The presence of mucus and bloody discharge in the stool.
  • Watery consistency.

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These symptoms indicate damage to the gastrointestinal tract by an intestinal infection. The patient has to go to the toilet frequently, her body temperature rises, she starts vomiting, has a headache, and feels very weak.

An experienced specialist will tell you why you still diarrhea during menstruation. The reason may be hidden in a serious illness:

  • Endometriosis . It can also cause bloody diarrhea.
  • Cystitis . This is an inflammatory process in the urinary canals. Menstruation is often a factor that provokes the exacerbation of many ailments, including cystitis.
  • Enteritis and colitis . Chronic pathologies that occur without severe symptoms. A weakened body becomes more susceptible to irritation, which contributes to the appearance of new signs of the disease.
  • Algodismenorrhea . This is a gynecological disease accompanied by diarrhea during menstruation, vomiting, and acute pain.
  • Dysbacteriosis . During menstruation, diarrhea occurs if the balance of the intestinal environment is disturbed, and the number of pathogens far exceeds the number of beneficial bacteria. Probiotics will help get rid of the unpleasant syndrome.

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In some cases, the causes of the disorder are gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis and other stomach diseases that have similar symptoms. The main factor in the development of gastric ulcers is the activation of spiral-shaped bacteria, which infects various parts of the stomach.

Diarrhea during menstruation is sometimes observed in women with a tilted uterus. This is not the worst pathology, but with it, periods are often painful (especially for girls). There is no need to treat this condition. As a rule, it normalizes after childbirth, or remains until the end of life, without causing any problems associated with conception or other ailments of the genitourinary system.

https://youtu.be/tD8q5sPGnvg

Physiological characteristics: normal

About 30 out of 100 women experience diarrhea during menstruation. Why is this happening? Let's try to figure it out in more detail.

In most situations, this symptom is not particularly dangerous. It occurs due to hormonal changes. Before menstruation, progesterone is produced in large quantities. This substance is intended to relax the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy. Progesterone also affects other smooth muscles, including the intestines. As a result, the organ relaxes, which leads to diarrhea. If the reason for the increased urge to defecate is a change in hormonal levels, then this is an absolute norm. Nothing wrong with that. It is worth noting that the situation does not always work out this way. A woman may have diarrhea in one cycle and become constipated in the next. Don’t worry, on the 3-4th day of your period, the disturbing symptoms will go away on their own. No special treatment is provided here. If you are bothered by severe cramps, then take 1-2 tablets of No-Shpa.

Review of pharmaceutical products for diarrhea during menstruation

Pharmaceutical productFeatures of the impactContraindications
Polysorb MP
  • powerful enterosorbent, gently cleanses the body, prevents attacks of diarrhea,
  • neutralizes the effects of toxins, harmful substances,
  • actively fights inflammation that appears on the face, normalizes skin oiliness, minimizes the manifestation of allergic rashes,
  • is able to relieve intoxication of any origin.
  • stomach ulcer, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract,
  • individual intolerance to the drug,
  • intestinal atony.
Imodium
  • calms intestinal motility, brings it to a normal state,
  • The product can be washed down with water, it melts in the mouth in a few seconds and eliminates diarrhea within an hour,
  • Suitable for systematic treatment if loose stool occurs in every menstrual cycle.
  • first trimester of pregnancy,
  • lactation period,
  • ulcers, enterocolitis and intestinal obstruction.
Loperamide
  • acts quickly, the effect lasts 5-6 hours,
  • increases the tone of the anal sphincter, helps reduce the number of urges to defecate,
  • does not treat the causes of diarrhea, only normalizes stool, relieving the symptoms of the disease,
  • in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, the drug is prescribed as an auxiliary in complex therapy with antibiotics and sorbents,
  • intestinal obstruction,
  • liver dysfunction,
  • ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis.
Smecta
  • soft impact, efficiency,
  • restores the density of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract,
  • protects the stomach from irritation, relieves painful symptoms.
  • intestinal obstruction,
  • individual intolerance to the drug,
  • osmotic diarrhea,
  • intolerance to fructose, lactose,
  • chronic constipation,
  • diabetes,
  • pancreatitis.
Enterosgel
  • effectively removes toxins and infectious agents from the gastrointestinal tract,
  • adsorbs fluid that is related to inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract,
  • removes urea, which has a beneficial effect on liver function.
  • allergic reaction to the drug,
  • atony,
  • taking antibiotics.
Polyphepan
  • removes toxins,
  • improves the patient's condition due to detoxification,
  • improves life processes,
  • is eliminated from the body naturally throughout the day.
  • hypersensitivity to the components of the drug,
  • constipation,
  • gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers,
  • atony,
  • diabetes.

https://youtu.be/3J1s9jijFhI

Changing your diet

At the end of the cycle, a woman’s appetite changes, which is why she has diarrhea during her period. If on the eve of bleeding you ate something unusual and unusual for your stomach or consumed incompatible foods, then expect diarrhea. This symptom goes away on its own after 2-3 days, subject to normal nutrition. Treatment consists of following a diet. Avoid foods that relax your intestines: exotic fruits, fermented milk drinks, sweets and soda. Avoid fatty and fried foods. To calm your turbulent intestines, eat soups and cereals. Oatmeal and rice cereals will help you cope with diarrhea, but they should be cooked without adding milk.

Please note that menstruation is not the best time to experiment. Therefore, if you want to taste overseas dishes or try bat soup, put it off until the middle of the cycle. The drugs Imodium and Loperamide will help you cope with diarrhea instantly. They inhibit peristalsis.

Intestinal infection or virus

Why do I have diarrhea, nausea and vomiting during menstruation? If this condition is not a normal reaction to bleeding for you, then you should be wary. Most likely, you caught a virus - intestinal flu. Diarrhea and nausea are its first symptoms. The temperature may also rise and general malaise may appear. This condition can be dangerous, especially when combined with menstruation. What to do?

If you have experience in treating such a disease, then you can try to cope with it yourself. Be sure to use sorbents to cleanse the body: “Polysorb”, “Enterosgel”. To restore the water-salt balance, drink more fluids and, if necessary, use Regidron. You can cope with the infection with the help of antiviral immunomodulators: Cycloferon, Ergoferon, Kipferon. Accept that you will have to stay home for a few days. Treating an intestinal infection “on the feet” (especially during menstruation) is almost impossible.

Enterocolitis, appendicitis and other pathologies

Why do I have diarrhea before my period? Often this symptom is the first sign of diseases such as intestinal inflammation, stomach ulcers, appendicitis, and so on. All of them are accompanied by abdominal pain, sometimes the temperature rises.

It is worth saying right away that such pathologies cannot be self-medicated. Be sure to consult a doctor for diagnosis and recommendations. Statistics show that only 1% of women (with diarrhea during menstruation) had the opportunity to encounter such diseases.

Why does the lower abdomen hurt during menstruation?

According to research, doctors have found that at this time more than 80% of women suffer from severe pain in the lower abdomen. This is explained by the fact that during such a period substances that are responsible for inflammation and pain accumulate in the body in large quantities.

They increase the ability of the uterus to contract, and spasms are formed that disrupt blood circulation and lead to local irritation of the nerve endings. Thus, pain appears, which lasts only the first days, or throughout the entire menstruation.

There are other reasons why pain occurs:

  1. Features of the location of the uterus and pressure on nerve receptors.
  2. Low level of sensitivity to pain.
  3. Hormonal background.
  4. Increased pain after 30 years.
  5. High levels of the hormone estrogen.
  6. Ongoing inflammatory processes.
  7. Consequences of injuries or operations.
  8. An IUD installed to protect against pregnancy can cause pain during menstruation.

In medical terms, the pain can be explained by the hormone prostaglandin causing uterine contractions.

The greater its concentration, the more it contracts, causing discomfort. Plus this adds a feeling of nausea, headache or even vomiting.

Cycle disruption also leads to pain before and during menstruation. At a young age, when the cycle is just beginning to form, many suffer from painful sensations. When complaining, the doctor may prescribe a course of examinations.

After which, a diagnosis called algodismenorrhea is most often established. Its symptoms are abdominal pain extending to the upper legs, sleep disturbances or sweating. Some people stop having menstrual pain after their first birth.

If menstrual pain is simply unbearable, then its causes may be:

  • cyst on the ovaries;
  • endometriosis;
  • lack of calcium in the blood;
  • bend of the uterus;
  • inflammation in the pelvic organs;
  • miscarriage.

It is impossible to independently determine what the cause is. To determine the root cause of painful periods, you should consult a doctor.

Irritable bowel syndrome: psychological causes

Surely everyone of the fairer sex knows why the stomach hurts during menstruation. Diarrhea that occurs at this time only intensifies the discomfort. Often the pathology is caused by psychological reasons. In this case we are talking about irritable bowel syndrome. It sounds scary, but not everything is so dangerous.

To treat this disease, drugs such as Duspatalin or Mebeverine are used. You can also use "Drotaverine", "Papaverine". It is possible to take medications based on loperamide. If irritable bowel syndrome is caused by psychological reasons, then the woman is prescribed sedatives. They will calm the raging nervous system and put the body in order.

Intestinal dysbiosis

For what reason does diarrhea begin during menstruation? Why does diarrhea accompany bleeding? The answer to these questions may be hidden in the diagnosis of dysbiosis. If the intestinal microflora is disturbed, the number of pathogenic microorganisms prevails over beneficial ones, then diarrhea is an understandable consequence. How to get rid of it in this case?

First you need to eliminate pathogenic bacteria. For this, intestinal antiseptics are used: “Enterofuril”, “Ecofuril”, “Stopdiar”. They are taken for about 3-5 days, after which a course of probiotics is prescribed: “Linex”, “Bifiform” and so on. It is imperative to pay attention to the state of the vaginal microflora. If it is broken, then it must be restored.

How to treat diarrhea during menstruation?

  1. You already know why this symptom occurs. The first thing you need to do to correct your well-being is to drink more fluid. During menstruation, a woman loses it naturally, and when diarrhea occurs, a shortage of water and salts completely arises.
  2. The next step in the treatment of diarrhea is nutritional correction. Pay attention to what you eat. Perhaps one of the products provokes frequent bowel movements. Eat more often, but in smaller portions. Eat only fresh foods. Animal food must be subjected to heat treatment, and fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed.
  3. If, after following the first two recommendations, diarrhea does not go away, then you should resort to medication. A specialist will tell you what medications to use and in what dosages. Pay attention to contraindications.

Is it dangerous or does a doctor need help?

Brief diarrhea during menstruation is normal and should not alarm a woman. In cases of pathological indigestion, you must contact a specialized institution. A visit to the doctor is required for the following symptoms:

  1. Does not pass more than 72 hours.
  2. Blood, greenish discharge, and foam were found in the stool. The stool is too dark or discolored and has a pungent, unpleasant odor.
  3. The condition is accompanied by vomiting, body hyperthermia, dizziness, severe pain in the lower abdomen, flatulence, and the stomach can twist.

If the condition occurs without the described symptoms, you can alleviate the condition at home:

  • review your daily diet, exclude spicy and fried foods; these foods can cause bloating,
  • eat more fruits and vegetables, eat small meals often,
  • ensure drinking plenty of herbal decoctions: nettle, tansy,
  • exercise moderately, without heavy loads. This will make it possible to balance the hormonal state,
  • Avoid stressful situations, nervous disorders, get proper rest.

Why do I have diarrhea before my period?

If diarrhea began several days before the expected bleeding, then its cause may be hidden in the new position. Almost every woman in the early stages of pregnancy notices stool disturbances. If menstruation does not start on the set day, then you should use the test. It is possible that it will show a positive result.

If you are not pregnant and you are wondering why you have diarrhea on the first day of your period, then consult a doctor. Only a professional will be able to understand the problem and determine tactics to eliminate it. Feel good to you!

During menstruation, a woman's body undergoes strong hormonal changes. If your period appears, your stomach hurts and diarrhea occurs against the background of this discomfort, then the reason may lie in various factors. Some of them indicate the onset or exacerbation of diseases, while others do not require concern at all.

During menstruation, abdominal pain may be accompanied by additional symptoms. But diarrhea can also occur without pain, which can also be a symptom of the disease or a temporary disorder.

Diarrhea and retention

It happens that a girl waits for the onset of her critical days, but instead an attack of diarrhea begins. This happens at the beginning of pregnancy, when hormonal changes occur. An increased concentration of progesterone in the bloodstream has a laxative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The absence of menstruation on time and attacks of diarrhea are a good reason to purchase a pregnancy test, especially when you feel weakness, drowsiness, intolerance to certain smells, irritability, sudden mood swings, and decreased performance.

Diarrhea allows the internal organs to cleanse themselves, which is the initial stage of the period of bearing a child. It can last for several weeks and appear periodically in the first months of gestation. In the future, the stool will become harder, and closer to childbirth, constipation may appear.

Important! Stool upset can bother a girl even before her menstruation is delayed. In this case, the lower back often pulls, moderate pain appears, which signals the fixation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.

If pregnancy is ruled out, and instead of menstruation, bowel movements become multiple and liquid, there is no need to panic. Sometimes this happens when:

  • Psycho-emotional overload.
  • Poor nutrition, hunger strikes, strict diets.
  • Hormonal imbalance associated with the formation of the monthly cycle up to menopause.
  • Cancellation of hormonal contraception.
  • Lactation.

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Rarely, such a violation indicates:

  • Inflammation or oncopathology in the reproductive organs.
  • Hormonal disorders associated with the thyroid gland or pituitary gland.

If the delay lasts longer than five days, but the test does not confirm fertilization of the egg, you should urgently consult a doctor.

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Causes independent of disease

During menstruation, there is a strong change in hormonal levels. An intensive process of renewal of some cells begins. Under the influence of gestagens, the uterus begins to contract intensively, freeing itself from waste material. Due to hormonal changes, several conditions occur that lead to diarrhea and even cause moderate pain:

  1. Relieving tension from the muscles of the uterus. This way it contracts better, nothing interferes with it. To implement this point, you need a good cleansing of the intestines, better than on other days.
  2. Increased levels of prostaglandins. They irritate pain receptors, but improve uterine contractions. As a result, right before your period your stomach starts to hurt. On the first day there may be severe pain accompanied by diarrhea. After all, hormones act not only on the smooth structure of the uterus, but also on the muscles of the intestines.
  3. Changes in nutritional needs and overeating. Appetite during menstruation increases, strong cravings for sweets appear, and an overabundance of food occurs. As a result, the intestines may respond with diarrhea.
  4. Stressful situations. Before menstruation, women begin to perceive troubles acutely, become unbalanced and irritable. As a result, the intestines may temporarily take over the irritation.
  5. Increased blood circulation in the pelvic organs. During menstruation, blood begins to circulate intensively as a result of the activity of hormones. The uterus swells, and menstruation can be very painful, affecting the intestines and causing diarrhea.

Other situations and symptoms may indicate the presence of pathological processes not only in the organs of the reproductive system, but also in the intestines.

If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting

If diarrhea during menstruation is normal for a woman, then vomiting should alert her. This is a manifestation of an intestinal infection. But if you regularly feel sick and vomit at the beginning of a new cycle, this is also a variant of the norm.

If you have diarrhea and vomiting with a delay in menstruation, you should take a pregnancy test. The initial stages of pregnancy are accompanied by various symptoms due to hormonal changes: constipation, diarrhea, swelling in the chest, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, drowsiness.

Pathology as a cause

If during menstruation the stomach begins to hurt and diarrhea appears, as well as other symptoms, then this is not always a consequence of hormonal changes. Often the noted factors develop as a result of infectious diseases and inflammatory processes:

  1. Bend of the uterus. As a result of menstruation, the uterus undergoes swelling, its contact with the intestines becomes very strong and leads to cleansing. Fibroids located outside the organ act in a similar way.
  2. Endometriosis. It occurs against the background of disturbances in the renewal of the uterine mucosa. Diarrhea during menstruation worsens and may be bloody.
  3. Cystitis . A bladder infection before your period begins to cause more discomfort, causing contractions. The result may be severe pain accompanied by diarrhea.
  4. Problems with the digestive process. During menstruation, irritable bowel syndrome and other chronic gastrointestinal diseases worsen. Immunity decreases, which leads to pain and diarrhea.
  5. Algodismenorrhea. Gynecological pathology, leading to severe abdominal pain during menstruation, is often accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.
  6. Gastritis, ulcers and pancreatitis. During critical days, the symptoms of diseases worsen, not only diarrhea occurs, but also fever. Nausea and vomiting also appear against the background of these diseases.

You should consult a doctor if you have some specific symptoms during menstruation. The first is the duration of diarrhea for more than 2 days. In the case of hormonal influence, the pathology does not last longer than this time.

Attention! The chair itself should also be cause for concern. An admixture of foam, blood and green color, or a dark shade of stool with a pungent odor is not the norm, even during menstruation.

If severe abdominal pain is accompanied by weakness and fever, you need to call an emergency ambulance.

Definition of profuse diarrhea during menstruation and its causes

The word "profuse" means abundant, excessive. Regarding stool, this concept is applied when a person visits the toilet more than 3 times a day and the stool has a liquid consistency. Gastrointestinal diseases, worms, poisoning, including alcohol, can lead to such a phenomenon, but there are also physiological reasons, which include the characteristics of the female body.

For most women, the norm is diarrhea before menstruation, when a hormone is released into the blood that causes muscle relaxation. Diarrhea can last quite a long time: for 2-3 days or weeks.

Many people are interested in why diarrhea occurs during menstruation. Among the reasons are:

  • Release of hormones . The female cycle is a continuous change in hormone levels. This is necessary for proper maturation and fertilization of the egg. Diarrhea occurs in different ways: on the first day, a week before bleeding, during ovulation.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome . The uterus is located in close proximity to the intestines. When it swells and prepares for menstruation, intestinal irritation and increased peristalsis occur. In this case, the stool may simply be frequent, but not liquid.
  • Changing your diet . A woman's taste preferences change throughout her cycle. During the PMS period, you crave salty, sweet, or spicy. Improper nutrition provokes stool disorders and can cause pancreatic breakdown, which leads to diarrhea.
  • Bend of the uterus . In nulliparous women, the cause of pain and diarrhea on the first day of the cycle may be a bending of the uterus. This problem goes away on its own after the birth of the first child: the uterus takes the correct position due to the expansion of the hips.

The possibility of infection should not be discounted. An infectious disease may coincide with the onset of bleeding by chance. The appearance of symptoms such as vomiting, fever, severe pain requires consulting a doctor. It is also necessary to undergo an examination if there is prolonged diarrhea and signs of dehydration.

How to relieve an unpleasant condition

If the appearance of abdominal pain and diarrhea in the first days of menstruation is a common phenomenon associated with hormones, then you can help yourself in several ways:

  • try to minimize stress and various experiences by reducing the release of adrenaline, which causes diarrhea and even vomiting;
  • during menstruation, you need to limit the consumption of any unhealthy food - too salty, fatty or spicy, alcohol;
  • physical exercise should be light, gentle massage will help the muscles of the uterus and intestines;
  • You should take medications for pain and diarrhea only when absolutely necessary.

If the factors why diarrhea and stomach pain appear during menstruation do not depend on illness, then you can more deeply reconsider your diet for this period.

It is advisable to include only boiled or stewed food in the diet. All foods should be fresh, but you should not eat too many raw vegetables, sweets and fruits. You also need to limit your caffeine consumption. Porridge made from rice and oatmeal or buckwheat should be the basis of the diet.

Advice! Cook soups with lean meat and prepare homemade jelly, they will help get rid of pathology.

It is permissible to eat cottage cheese and yesterday’s bread, as well as to fully rest and get enough sleep. If you are engaged in active training, then you should also postpone it during your period, as well as taking any sports nutrition if you have pain and diarrhea.

The condition, accompanied by diarrhea and stomach pain, can either appear suddenly or disappear for no reason. But only careful attention to your health will guarantee that you will notice the pathology in time and be able to exclude it by visiting a doctor.

Due to the peculiarities of the physiological structure of the body, intestinal disorders bother women more often than men.

Such problems manifest themselves as improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cramps, colitis, and indigestion during menstruation.

Although the phenomena under consideration are subjective, they cause a lot of inconvenience and anxiety to the fair sex. After all, diarrhea during menstruation is not entirely normal.

Not a single woman can boast that she does not experience discomfort during her period. During this period, the woman experiences weakness, increased irritability, and pain in the abdominal area.

And if diarrhea is added to all these symptoms, then the woman’s anxiety increases.

Experts cannot give a clear answer to the question of why diarrhea is often observed during menstruation. The female body is individual, so situations vary.

Lower abdominal pain

Severe abdominal pain during menstruation, the causes of which are different for each woman, occurs in many people. Moderate pain is considered normal, while severe pain indicates certain gynecological disorders.

Pain in the abdominal area can be mild, moderate or severe. Manifest in the depths of the pelvis as a dull, pulling or pressing pain. They can be constant or pulsating. It is considered normal to have a pain syndrome that begins to manifest itself before the onset of menstruation and goes away immediately after the end of menstruation.

Severe pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, the causes of which are often unknown, can occur in combination with migraines and be accompanied by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition cannot be considered normal. In this case, you should undergo a full medical examination.

The main causes of diarrhea during menstrual periods

During menstruation, a woman’s body experiences a surge of hormones that are responsible for renewing the uterine mucosa.

Progestins affect the uterus in such a way that it contracts intensely, throwing out its inner lining.

Why is this happening? The causes of diarrhea can be caused by hormonal changes. But there are other factors that provoke diarrhea during menstruation. They are:

  1. Relaxation of the muscles of the uterus, which is the main condition for its contraction. A full intestine should not interfere with the activity of the organ, so it begins to quickly empty itself naturally.
  2. An increase in the level of prostaglandins - substances that provoke uterine contractions and irritate the pain receptor. This indicates that the stomach during menstruation on the first day hurts precisely because of the activity of prostaglandins. Due to the fact that the intestines also consist of muscles, the substances in question also affect them, causing an accelerated release of feces and diarrhea.
  3. Excessive eating. During critical days, women's appetite increases and they crave sweets. In the case when a woman follows her desires and does not restrain herself in food, her intestines can rebel. This type of rebellion is caused by excessive sugar consumption. The product causes fermentation, bloating and gas formation in the intestines. And if a woman drinks sweets with plenty of water, the stool becomes liquid and diarrhea occurs during menstruation.
  4. Stressful situations. Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by the fact that a girl can very easily be made to cry, and she reacts more sharply to even the smallest troubles. The body can respond to such emotions by increasing intestinal motility and, consequently, diarrhea during menstruation.
  5. Carrying a child can also cause a woman to develop diarrhea. Why is the phenomenon in question observed? In this case, the culprit may be the hormone progesterone, which is produced in excess. This hormone acts on the intestines as a laxative. And the increased appetite of the expectant mother only aggravates the situation, which results in diarrhea.
  6. Increased blood circulation in the pelvic organs. This phenomenon is considered normal on the first day and subsequent days of menstruation. Blood rushes to the pelvis also for hormonal reasons. It also causes swelling of the uterus, which can put pressure on the intestines and cause diarrhea.
  7. Features of premenstrual syndrome lie in hormonal changes in a woman’s body and often appear before the onset of menstruation. The symptoms of PMS are known to all girls and can significantly ruin their lives.

In this case, diarrhea can make itself felt a few days before your period. Diarrhea is often accompanied by nausea and mood swings. In addition, the woman complains that her stomach hurts a lot.

Diarrhea during menstruation is normal and goes away on its own. But there are also situations when diarrhea occurs due to pathological processes observed in the body.

Diarrhea in women during menstruation - 5 main causes and treatment methods

All people are familiar with intestinal disorders. Diarrhea during menstruation causes greater discomfort and poor health, because in addition to weakness, irritability and mood swings, you also have to deal with pain in the intestines. It is important to understand what could be causing this condition, whether something needs to be done, and how to properly treat it.

Causes of menstruation disorders

Diarrhea during menstruation has reasonable physiological causes. Let's discuss the following in more detail:

  • muscle contractions of the uterus;
  • hormonal changes;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • rush of blood to the pelvic organs;
  • bend of the uterus.

Intestinal upset may be associated with menstrual processes in the body. Depending on the cause of its occurrence, treatment may be required.

Due to uterine contractions

Shortly before the start of the menstrual cycle, the uterus prepares to get rid of the endometrial layer. To do this, muscle contractions occur in the organ. Since the uterus and intestines are located nearby in the body, muscle activity can be transmitted.

Menstruation begins with cramping pain and diarrhea develops. This condition does not require specific treatment, as it goes away on its own.

Due to fluctuations in hormone levels

During menstruation, diarrhea develops due to an increase in prostaglandin levels. This hormone causes smooth muscles to relax. Although this should primarily affect the uterus, the intestines also relax.

Loose stools during menstruation are explained by the body's attempt to cleanse itself. During this period, the uterus is freed from the overgrown endometrium, and the intestines are freed from feces through loose stools.

Due to gastrointestinal diseases

The organs of the gastrointestinal tract can suffer from chronic diseases for years. On the first day of menstruation, the female body becomes more sensitive. Diseases that do not make themselves felt on other days cause severe discomfort during this delicate period.

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Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are usually accompanied by the following manifestations:

  • nausea;
  • vomit;
  • abdominal pain.

A specialist can tell you why there is diarrhea before menstruation. If you suspect a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, you should immediately go to the hospital.

Diarrhea during menstruation can be a sign of serious illnesses, which are briefly described in the table.

EndometriosisCells similar to those present in the lining of the uterus penetrate the intestines. The condition is accompanied by diarrhea and bloody stool. Painful diarrhea, cramping discomfort in the abdomen.
CystitisInflammatory disease of the urinary tract. Menstruation provokes an exacerbation of the disease, as a result, muscle contractions of 3 organs are activated at once: the uterus, intestines and bladder.
Enteritis and colitisChronic diseases that can be asymptomatic. When menstruation occurs, the body's immune defense weakens and new symptoms appear.
Intestinal infectionThe problem can develop at any time due to stale food. Diarrhea is stronger and more painful.

Due to the rush of blood

Diarrhea before menstruation can occur due to a rush of blood. During menstruation, the pelvic organs experience increased stress. The intestinal response is diarrhea.

Bend of the uterus as a cause

Why diarrhea occurs during menstruation can be understood after a detailed medical examination. When there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract, the cause of diarrhea may lie in the condition of the uterus.

https://youtu.be/qL99wGTVwIk

A bent uterus is a severe pathology in which menstruation is accompanied by pain and frustration. Diarrhea may last for several days after bleeding begins. It is impossible to treat this pathology. After childbirth, the situation improves on its own.

Characteristics of diarrhea during menstruation

Diarrhea begins a week before the delay. A slight looseness of stool is noticeable 5–7 days before menstruation. More liquid stools begin two days before the start of the cycle. Acts of defecation occur in the morning.

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Diarrhea before menstruation is accompanied by pain of moderate intensity. After bowel movements, the attacks subside, and the woman ceases to feel discomfort.

It is quite normal if this phenomenon appears a few days before the start of menstruation. A healthy woman should not have more than three urges to go to the toilet per morning during this period. Otherwise, the cause of the problem should be sought not in gynecology, but in gastroenterology. A deviation from the norm should also be considered if the symptoms of diarrhea do not disappear after menstruation.

How to help yourself

Diarrhea during menstruation does not require drug treatment. At the same time, the condition requires some measures to improve well-being. What to do in such a situation?

It is important to adjust your diet. Delayed menstruation and diarrhea during this period cannot be treated with medications. Consuming foods that have a binding effect will help relieve the condition and relieve the symptoms of diarrhea. The following foods and drinks should be included in your diet:

  • strong tea;
  • bouillon;
  • buckwheat and rice porridge;
  • natural cottage cheese;
  • crackers.

If there are no contraindications to spicy dishes, you can swallow a few black peppercorns. This method will help to strengthen the intestines and diarrhea with a delay in menstruation will pass.

How to go to the toilet correctly during menstruation?

When is diarrhea a cause for concern?

Understanding why diarrhea develops during menstruation, you can correctly respond to changes in the female body. At the same time, there are factors that cannot be ignored.

Diarrhea and delayed menstruation may be a reason to consult a doctor in this case:

  1. Loose stools do not go away for more than 2 days.
  2. The stool is greenish in color with foam and blood.
  3. Defecation is accompanied by severe pain, fever, vomiting and weakness.

Intestinal upset before a missed period and in the first days is normal. By adhering to simple recommendations for correcting nutrition, you can prevent unwanted symptoms. By avoiding excessive physical activity during this period, you can also balance your condition and feel great!

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Source: https://OPonos.ru/zhenshchina/ponos-vo-vremya-mesyachnyh

When can diarrhea be called a pathology?

Alas, not every diarrhea on the first day of menstruation is a physiological phenomenon that cleanses the woman’s body.

Sometimes diarrhea can be a symptom of a dangerous pathology, and its onset during menstruation can be explained by a banal coincidence.

In order to understand the true causes of the development of digestive disorders, you should carefully study the nature of bowel movements, their frequency and parallel symptoms.

If the stool does not return to normal after menstruation, the woman should go to a medical facility.

Pathological diarrhea is always accompanied by specific symptoms. They are:

  1. Unpleasant smell.
  2. The presence of mucus, blood or green inclusions in the stool.
  3. Change in color of stool.
  4. Watery consistency of stool.

Only a qualified specialist can identify the true causes of the phenomenon in question, who must examine the patient, make a diagnosis and prescribe proper treatment, if necessary.

A woman should immediately seek professional help if diarrhea during menstruation is accompanied by fever and vomiting.

Such symptoms indicate intestinal poisoning or even more dangerous pathologies.

During menstruation, diarrhea and vomiting

If diarrhea during menstruation is most often completely safe, then in the company of vomiting it is an alarming symptom. But there are women whose menstruation is especially “fun”: with vomiting and diarrhea - then for them this is a normal condition, and there is no need to worry.

But for women who are not accustomed to such body reactions during menstruation, vomiting and diarrhea may be symptoms of intestinal poisoning. It’s better not to risk it and go to the infectious diseases department of the nearest hospital. Especially if vomiting and diarrhea do not go away within a day, and menstruation is characterized by unusually heavy discharge. Only after consulting a doctor can you be calm about your own health. It is strictly not recommended to self-medicate in this case. Taking medications that previously helped can make the condition worse.

Methods for treating diarrhea

If diarrhea was caused solely by hormonal changes, then you do not need to immediately drink Imodium and Loperamide - substances that quickly relieve a person of diarrhea.

But they are used only when diarrhea was preceded by a gastrointestinal disorder.

Due to the fact that a woman’s period is not a disease, such medications will only aggravate the situation and provoke another pathology – chronic constipation.

But there are a number of effective measures that will help cope with diarrhea on the first day of menstruation. They are:

  1. A woman should control her appetite and watch what she eats. Food should only be freshly prepared, boiled or stewed. You will have to temporarily give up fried foods so as not to think about why you have diarrhea during your period.
  2. Experts recommend eliminating fatty foods, salt and sugar from your diet a day or two before menstruation. This also includes hot spices that can cause diarrhea. It is better to reduce the consumption of fruits and vegetables that cause fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract.
  3. Doctors advise eating oatmeal, buckwheat or rice porridge cooked in purified water. Such nutrition will protect the intestinal mucosa and stop loose bowel movements. You can drink tea, jelly, eat white bread crackers, lean meat and low-fat cottage cheese.
  4. It is worth remembering that food should be taken often, but in small portions. This is especially true in the evening, before bed.
  5. Intestinal upset will quickly subside after menstruation if the girl drinks chamomile teas, which soothe the intestines and have an astringent effect.
  6. Drinking water should be neither hot nor cold. It is better to boil it first and cool it.
  7. Physical activity and sports are common causes of diarrhea during menstrual periods. Why is this happening? Because active movements improve peristalsis and push feces to exit naturally. The girl is recommended to walk more, breathe fresh air in a calm environment.
  8. No-spa will help relieve intestinal spasms. This drug relaxes the body and relieves pain.

Doctors have established a connection between diarrhea and digestive disorders. This suggests that the underlying causes should be addressed to prevent defecation disorder.

A girl should think about why she still has symptoms of diarrhea after menstruation, and try to solve this problem with the help of qualified specialists.

Causes of intestinal disorders during menstruation

Numerous complaints from many patients about changes in the frequency and nature of stools on the eve of or during menstruation have given rise to basic and clinical research studies that have been aimed at studying changes in the levels of progesterone and estrogen and their impact on the functioning of the digestive system. As a result, the reasons were identified that influence the frequency of bowel movements, and in some cases the appearance of diarrhea during menstruation with a regular menstrual cycle.

During critical days, the female body is excessively weakened and susceptible to various external influences or internal disorders. It has been proven that most women of reproductive age experience unpleasant symptoms before and during menstruation: weakness, headaches and dizziness, pain in the lower abdomen, nausea. And only a third of them complain of vomiting, flatulence, intestinal cramps and diarrhea during menstruation. What are the causes of such a common disease, and how to deal with it?

Important! A slight intestinal disorder during menstruation has a beneficial effect on a woman’s body.

Common causes of stool disorder and associated symptoms are:

  • changes in hormonal levels, since during this period the level of prostaglandins increases, causing muscle contraction of the intestinal walls.
  • blood supply to the pelvic organs, as well as increased contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus, which affects intestinal motility.
  • An increase in the tone of the vagus nerve, which is manifested by hypotension, profuse sweating, freezing of the hands, also affects the functioning of the intestines.
  • a change in taste preferences, which leads to the consumption of food that has a laxative effect.

Stool disorders can occur not only during menstruation, but also on the eve of their appearance. As a rule, this process is normal and does not cause side complications or pathological changes. It has been proven that normally, diarrhea before and during menstruation lasts only 2-3 days, after which it goes away without a trace. Experts say that in this way the body cleanses itself of harmful substances and toxins, restoring the normal functions of organs and systems. Therefore, physiological diarrhea does not require special treatment.

Stomach hurts during menstruation - what to do

Why does the stomach hurt during menstruation, we figured it out. Remember, if you have very severe pain, you should consult a gynecologist. Now let’s figure out what you can do at home if your stomach hurts during your period. You can take pills, folk remedies, follow a daily routine, do exercises, but first things first.

Folk remedies

Not all women want to use medications for various reasons (side effects, a number of contraindications, fear of the addictive effect, allergies) to cope with monthly pain. In such cases, some folk remedies are suitable.

Dry heat (heating pad or bottle filled with water)

You need to lie on your back, applying something warm to your stomach. After this, blood flow in the uterus will increase, and the feeling of pain will decrease. It is important not to hold for more than 5-7 minutes so as not to cause excessive bleeding.

Warm herbal tea

You can use herbs or individual types of herbs. The following will help reduce pain:

  • lemon balm or mint (the main herbs for women's health, have a calming effect, normalize the cycle, relieve sleep disorders);
  • chamomile (the oils it contains will soothe pain and strengthen the immune and nervous system);
  • raspberry leaves (has the ability to relieve menstrual pain and regulate the cycle);
  • crushed elecampane root (can normalize hormones in the female body, reduces the feeling of pain during menstrual periods, and is also useful for infertility);
  • horsetail (during painful periods, it has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, and is used as a restorative drink).

Pain Relief Drink Recipes

Pour a glass of boiling water over 3 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves and let it brew. Drink 50 ml portions throughout the day.

Pour a glass of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried elecampane root and leave for an hour. Drink a tablespoon three times a day.

Massage

It has a relaxing effect, reduces pain and strengthens the body. Regular sessions will have a positive effect on internal organs.

Medications

The simplest and first thing that comes to mind to get rid of menstrual pain is to take a pill. Doctors also prescribe medications of various effects to get rid of unpleasant sensations. Some of them:

  • Sedatives
  • They are also used during PMS to improve mood, eliminate tearfulness and irritability. The following have a good effect: tincture or tablets of valerian, motherwort. To restore sleep, your doctor may prescribe a course of sleeping pills or “evening” herbal pills.
  • Painkillers
  • The most effective drugs that quickly relieve pain these days include: Ketanov, Pentalgin, Ibuprofen, Analgin, Ketorol.
  • Antispasmodics
  • No-shpa helps many women; it is often replaced with an analogue called Drotaverine or Papaverine.

A course of taking vitamins B, E, calcium or Magne B6, Supradin complex will help prevent pain. If primary algomenorrhea is detected, then contraceptive medications or progestins are prescribed.

Exercises

You can reduce menstrual pain using a proper breathing system. To do this, you will need to lie on your back and place a light object on your stomach (you can use a book).

Breathe only through your nose, while simultaneously moving the abdominal wall, making sure that the object rises to the beat. You will have to keep your abdominal muscles tense for 5-7 seconds. This exercise should be performed for two minutes. The pain in the lower abdomen will gradually subside.

Acupressure affects areas of pain using active points. Kneeling down, you need to pinch your thighs. Then apply pressure with your elbow, first from the outside of the thigh towards the knee.

Finally, walk along the inside, heading towards the pelvis. The next option is to press on a point located 4 fingers higher on the inside of the ankle. A good effect occurs after clicking on the points located:

  • below the navel and in the groin area;
  • in the center of the back, on the tailbone;
  • in the middle of the lower leg, on the inside.

Effective exercises for painful periods

  • Lying flat on your back, bend your legs, your feet should rest on the floor, while keeping your arms parallel to the floor, along your torso. For two minutes, do smooth bends with your stomach, with relaxed muscles. Repeat – 5 times.
  • Lying on your back, press your buttocks to it. With your knees bent, place your feet on the wall. Fix your position for 5 minutes.
  • Moving away from the wall, bend one leg as close to your chin as possible. Leave the second one on the floor.
  • The simplest thing is to kneel, rest your hands on the floor, lower your head between them, stay in this position for only 2 minutes.
  • Yoga practitioners can use Cobra Pose for menstrual pain. Lying on your stomach, straining your knees, bring your feet together and exhale. Then lift your torso up, tilt your head back, inhale and exhale twice. Keeping your buttocks tense, hold for 2 minutes.

By taking vitamins, adjusting your daily routine and consuming herbal infusions, you can reduce menstrual pain that is not caused by previous injuries or a characteristic of the body.

In fact, this is a natural process that he will cope with on his own after a certain time. By using the suggested tips and doing simple exercises, the pain that torments many women every month will go away. And life will not stop on such days because of discomfort.

Menstrual pain, also known as menstrual disorder - algomenorrhea , is manifested by pain in the lower abdomen, occurring both before and during a woman’s menstrual cycle. The nature of the pain can vary from dull and debilitating to severe and sharp. Menstrual cramps usually begin after an egg is released from the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube (ovulation).

When diarrhea on critical days is a pathology

Diarrhea that occurs on the first day of menstruation is not always a physiological process associated with cleansing the body. Sometimes it can be a manifestation of a serious disease, and its appearance at the beginning of the menstrual cycle is a mere coincidence. To make sure of this, you should pay attention to the nature of the stool, accompanying symptoms, and the duration of diarrhea. If after menstruation the stool has not returned to normal and still has a liquid consistency, you should immediately consult a therapist or gastroenterologist. In this case, diarrhea may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • unpleasant odor;
  • the presence of mucus;
  • color change;
  • the presence of greenery or blood streaks;
  • acquiring a watery consistency.

During menstruation, you should rest more and avoid nervous disorders

Only a specialist, after conducting a survey and finding out why there is diarrhea during menstruation, as well as after receiving the results of laboratory tests, can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Attention! Diarrhea accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting may be a consequence of intestinal poisoning or a symptom of a more serious disease.

Diarrhea when delayed

Diarrhea may well occur during delay, and this condition often indicates pregnancy. In case of pregnancy, women are often worried about vomiting and increased body temperature. If menstruation is delayed, diarrhea can last about a week, and the process of discharge itself is accompanied by pain. It is important to remember that diarrhea is fraught with complications if it does not occur during menstruation. If a woman notices loose stools during her period, she should remain calm, but pay attention to the nature of her bowel movements. If the stool is dark and blood clots are visible in it, you should immediately consult a doctor.

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