Ladies, have you ever felt abdominal pain before or during the period, so you can't tell the difference between the abdominal pain you feel caused by the urge to defecate or menstruation? Or maybe you even often suffer from diarrhea? Digestive problems are indeed one of the problems that often arise when going to or are menstruating, besides, of course, cramps, bloating, and pain.
According to a 2014 study published in BMC Women's Health, nearly three-quarters of women experience digestive problems when they are menstruating, while two-thirds experience these problems during their menstrual period. The most common digestive problems are abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Why do we experience diarrhea before or during the period?
Further research is needed to determine precisely why this digestive problem can occur. However, research suggests that hormone-like substances called prostaglandins and the sex hormone progesterone could be to blame.
This is because a few days before the period uterus's lining begins to break down and releases prostaglandins which signal the smooth muscles in the uterus to contract. If someone has excess prostaglandins, the uterus will immediately contract. As a result, painful cramps occur. When the messages from the brain for these contractions spread further, the intestines can move along. When that happens, the feces in the intestines don't have much chance to harden, so that we can experience diarrhea.
Towards the end of the cycle (luteal phase), progesterone levels will rise when the uterine lining thickens again. Increasing progesterone levels stop the contractions from happening and tell the bowel to slow down. When progesterone increases excessively, it can also cause constipation associated with menstruation.
Certain conditions can also exacerbate the situation. For example, some women with an inverted uterus (which is harmless and doesn't require intervention) have more digestive problems because the uterus is pressing on the colon. Conditions like this require more attention to overcome.
Is There Any Way To Deal with This Problem?
If you are dealing with mild digestive issues, you can go to the pharmacy to get some medicine and a heating pad for your lower abdomen. Depending on your symptoms, you can try anti-diarrhoeal medications such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate for near-normal bowel movements or anti-gas medications such as simethicone. As long as they don't mess with your health, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can relieve stomach aches and cramps. For drug selection, consult the relevant health workers!
You can also manage mild symptoms with physical activity and sports that are comfortable for you, such as brisk walking. Light exercise can help improve mood, reduce discomfort, and can even help improve the digestive system if you experience constipation.
Changing your diet before and during the period can also help control the symptoms of digestive problems you experience. When you know your period is approaching, avoid foods that usually trigger bloating and gas, such as beans, broccoli, and dairy products. You can also eat more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
If you feel more severe symptoms, you can contact your doctor for further tests, ladies! Don't forget to read health articles from Fitie to improve your knowledge!
Sources:
Bernstein, M. T., Graff, L. A., Avery, L., Palatnick, C., Parnerowski, K., & Targownik, L. E. (2014). Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. BMC women's health, 14, 14.
Krouse, L. (2020). Exactly Why You Get Gas And Diarrhea On Your Period. Women’s Health. [online]. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19996559/period-diarrhea/