Many of us compare our experiences with others to gauge whether what we go through each month is typical or possibly a cause for concern. Here is the good news: experiencing diarrhea during menstruation is not uncommon.
One study offers precise statistics on this issue. Researchers explored the connection between emotional symptoms and gastrointestinal complaints during the period leading up to and during menstruation. A total of 156 women participated in the survey, and a staggering 73% reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms before or during their period. Among these symptoms, abdominal pain and diarrhea were the most prevalent [1].
The following statistics were gathered:
Interestingly, the study also found that women who experienced emotional symptoms tended to have more frequent gastrointestinal issues [1].
The hormonal composition in your body varies throughout your menstrual cycle. During the non-fertile phase, your body produces a different hormonal mix than when it is gearing up for pregnancy. Hormones have a significant impact on our well-being, affecting not only our mental state but also leading to various practical symptoms. Regarding diarrhea, two specific hormones play a pivotal role – prostaglandins and progesterone.
Prostaglandins are tissue hormones produced by cells in various tissues throughout the body. They can heighten the perception of pain [2]. During menstruation, they serve a particular purpose – inducing the familiar abdominal cramps by signaling the uterus to contract [3]. This contraction is essential to expel the excess uterine lining if fertilization has not occurred, preparing the uterus for a new menstrual cycle. The increased muscular activity can also affect the intestines because, similar to the uterine wall, the intestinal wall contains smooth muscle. This heightened activity can accelerate the passage of food through the digestive tract, potentially causing abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Whether prostaglandins are transported into the intestine, or the overall elevated prostaglandin levels stimulate digestive activity is still under investigation [1].
Progesterone is the second hormone contributing to diarrhea, primarily during the luteal phase, the period between ovulation and menstruation. Its vital role is to prepare the uterine lining for optimal implantation of a fertilized egg [4]. However, there is a caveat: progesterone tends to slow down intestinal activity, potentially causing constipation. During menstruation, the body has significantly lower progesterone levels, rejuvenating the digestive process. The combination of lowered progesterone and prostaglandin levels can lead to softer stools or even diarrhea during this time.
Endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue in locations outside the uterus. Alongside the typical uterine lining, endometriosis lesions can be found both within and outside the pelvic region [5]. This condition often presents classic symptoms, including pain and infertility [6]. However, it can manifest with menstrual irregularities, back pain, and digestive issues [5]. Notably, endometriosis is not only limited to common sites like the ovaries; it can also affect the intestines. Adhesions in the rectum, for instance, may lead to diarrhea. Endometriosis lesions tend to appear in the gastrointestinal tract, mainly when located outside the pelvis [7]. In one study involving 290 patients diagnosed with endometriosis through laparoscopy, 90% reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. Intriguingly, only 7.6% of these individuals were found to have endometriosis in the bowel [8].
The exact causes of diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms in endometriosis remain to be definitively explained. Suspected factors include inflammatory processes and potential food intolerances contributing to gastrointestinal complaints in individuals with endometriosis.
Menstruation can be physically and mentally taxing, so taking good care of yourself during this time is crucial. If you are grappling with diarrhea, the following tips may offer relief:
Consult a doctor if your diarrhea is severe or persists beyond your menstruation period. It is essential to rule out infections or underlying health issues. If diarrhea consistently occurs during menstruation or between menstrual cycles AND is accompanied by other symptoms like menstrual irregularities or severe pain, discussing the possibility of endometriosis with your gynecologist is advisable. They can guide you through relevant examinations and evaluations.
Diarrhea is common during menstruation, often influenced by hormones like prostaglandins and progesterone. However, when it occurs alongside other symptoms, it may signal endometriosis. Remember that endometriosis lesions do not have to be confined to the intestine. If you experience recurring diarrhea in conjunction with pain or menstrual irregularities, consider consulting a doctor to explore the possibility of endometriosis.
For more information on endometriosis and its common symptoms, you can explore the Endo-App and benefit from the expertise of our endometriosis specialists.
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
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