The Period Poop: A Guide to Dealing with Yet Another Period Symptom. Yay.
Period poops. Yet another topic that I have personally talked to strangers about in public bathrooms.
Period poops are a completely normal part of menstruation...They're caused by a combo of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the digestive system.
Not sure if we need to explain what it is to you, but it's a change in bowel movements that happen (surprise surprise) during your period. You may experience constipation, diarrhea, or both - SO FUN. The consistency and frequency of your poops may also change.
But WHY? There are a few reasons why period poops happen. During your period, your body produces more of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone can slow down your digestion, which can lead to constipation. Increased blood flow to your digestive system can ALSO cause constipation. Lastly, the presence of blood in your intestines can also cause diarrhea.
Okay so what can you do about it? Make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids (doesn't this feel like the solution to everything?). This will help to keep your digestive system moving along and hopefully prevent constipation. Eat a healthy diet that's high in fiber. Fiber will help those poos go. Lastly, exercise regularly. Exercise can help to stimulate your digestive system and prevent constipation.
If you're experiencing severe period poops, talk to your doc. There may be an underlying medical condition that's causing your symptoms.
In summary, tips for dealing with period poops...
- Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your digestive system moving and prevent constipation.
- Eat a healthy diet that's high in fiber. Fiber will help to keep your stool soft and easy to pass.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to stimulate your digestive system and prevent constipation.
Isn't having a period awesome?
