Diarrhea on your period is an unpleasant feeling. However, the right measures at the right time can not only treat period diarrhea but also ease other menstrual, and gastrointestinal issues.
Women will have a range of symptoms before and during their period. Abdominal pain, diarrhea on period and other gastrointestinal issues are common symptoms of menstruation.
Here, we look at why having period diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
You can also find how to ease painful symptoms, and when to see a health care provider or a doctor.
What causes diarrhea on period?
Prostaglandins in the body during a period may cause diarrhea.
Some women may have diarrhea during or before their period. This is due to an increase in the production of prostaglandins in the body.
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What are Prostaglandins?
Prostaglandins are hormone like chemicals which help in some functions in the body like:
Muscle contractions
Blood vessel dilation or constriction
Blood clotting
Onset of a period, cells in the lining of the uterus increase the production of prostaglandins. This makes the uterus muscles contract so the lining of the uterus releases.
The more the production of prostaglandins during menstruation, the more the uterus will contract.
The excess production of prostaglandins can cause menstrual cramps and pain.
When prostaglandin levels are high, some of them may enter the bloodstream.
They reach different parts of the body, including the bowels.
The smooth muscle lining of bowels will contract due to prostaglandins and release their contents, resulting in diarrhea.
It is still uncertain whether the prostaglandins released by the uterus are absorbed by the blood and travel to the intestine or are these chemicals released both in the intestine and uterus at the same time.
However, women may experience period diarrhea aka period poop along with abdominal pain.
How to get rid of menstrual symptoms?
People can get rid of menstrual symptoms and treat diarrhea on period. The following are some tips below:
Treating diarrhea
Drink plenty of fluids: This is very important to prevent dehydration. People should drink all day, and should drink an extra glass of water after each bout of diarrhea.
Consume liquid diet: This helps the bowels to rest. People can try apple juice, weak tea or clear broth.
Eat small quantity meals more frequently: Eating small quantities of meals make food easier for the body to digest easily.
Eat pectin rich foods: Pectin-rich foods have water soluble fiber that can help to reduce diarrhea. Pectin-rich foods include applesauce, bananas, and yogurt.
Replace electrolytes: Diarrhea can reduce the levels of potassium and other electrolytes in the body. Replace electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, fruit juices or coconut water. Potassium rich foods include bananas, and potatoes with the skin.
Eat salty foods: Salty foods such as crackers, pretzels and soups, help replenish lost sodium. This helps in retaining more water in the body.
Avoid eating junk foods: Do not eat junk foods and drinks. They can irritate the digestive tract and worsen diarrhea.
When to see a doctor?
People should see their doctor if they experience the following:
If their diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days
Blood in stools, which may indicate other health issue or an infection
Severe physical or psychological symptoms during or before period
Takeaway
Dealing with diarrhea on period can be very tiresome and inconvenient. Good diet and rest will ease the symptoms and recover very quickly. If your diarrhea lasts for more than a few days, you have to see a doctor for proper care and treatment.
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