Why do you get constipation before menstruation?

Answer 1

The following information is quoted from: http://www.asiaone.com/Just%2BWoman/About%2BMe/Well%2BBeing/Story/A1Story20080926-90128.html During the menstrual cycle, the body goes through certain hormonal changes. There is a surge of progesterone just before the onset of menstruation and the progesterone level falls when the menstrual flow starts. Progesterone causes delayed gastrointestinal transit time, meaning that it slows down the gut and hence aggravates constipation. With the fall in progesterone, there is an increase in bowel activity, which is why your constipation goes away with the start of the menses. Constipation can be due to various causes. One of the key causes to exclude would be that of colorectal cancer. Other causes could be hypothyroidism (hormonal imbalance), electrolyte imbalance, certain medications, slow colonic transit (a slow-moving colon) or pelvic outlet obstruction (incoordination of muscles involved in defaecation). Simple measures to try to help the constipation can include increasing fluid intake, increasing fibre intake and exercising. Should the constipation still persist, it would be better to see a doctor to help you sort out this problem. Dr Aileen Seah

Answer 2

Yes it is normal to get diarrhea before your period. It has to do with the increased progesterone that occur during your period. It causes not only your uterus to contract but also your stomach muscles as well which causes diarrhea. It is so normal with me though that when I all of a sudden have diarrhea accompanied with nausea, I say to myself "I'm about to start my period." Mine usually occurs 1 or 2 days prior to my period starting. So, if it's happening to you and you let it frustrate you, you'll make it worse. Trust me. Just "go with the flow", so to speak lol. It'll subside. Just another glorious side effects of being female.

Answer 3

I'm not sure the reasoning why. But, it definitely does affect something else down there. I personally experience this during my period, and every other woman I know says the same, some before, some during. I've never received any explanation though. Yes you do. I get it and I know of a lot of other people that get it. It is because the muscles that cause the uterus to contract can also cause the stomach to contract, causing diarrhea. And it also has to do with your hormones.

Answer 4

For years I thought I was the only woman that got symptoms similar to morning morning sickness lasting nearly a week before my period. I don't always get blessed with the trotts, but when I do it's fierce. My OBGYN says it's from my body producing too much progesterone. Progesterone and it has a lot to do with maintainng pregnancy. Right before my period my body produces too much of this wonder hormone causing me to have symptoms of pregnancy even though I am indeed not pregnant.

Answer 5

The menstrual cycle is the entire reproductive cycle, I think you mean during menstruation. Diarrhea can occur due to the chemical-like hormones that cause the uterus to contract to push out menstrual flow, these can also influence the bowel. If you have problems then regulate hormones and improve diet.

Answer 6

I have bad stomach cramps and bad diarrhea is that normal?

Answer 7

No, you do not. However, it will be like brown mucus coming out of your vagina the first time you get your period, then eventually the uterine lining will become normal and turn to blood.