Do You Get Diarrhea or Constipation When Your Period Comes? Here’s What You Need to Know

One of my close friends messaged me in a panic the other day:

"Why do I always get diarrhea when my period starts?"

"I can't tell if it's cramps or stomach pain!"

"I'm bleeding and constantly running to the bathroom—who else has it worse than me?"

"I’m so weak, but my stomach is still making all kinds of noises, even though I have nothing left to give!"

"Help! What should I do? I’m really desperate!"

Meanwhile, another friend, Delaney, messaged me with a different problem: "What can I do if I get constipated during my period? My stomach feels so bloated and uncomfortable…"

Why is it that some women get diarrhea during their period, while others struggle with constipation? And is there anything that can help ease these issues?

It turns out that many women deal with either constant trips to the bathroom or painful constipation when their period arrives. Studies show that around 70% of women experience gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation, before or during their period.

1. Why Some Women Get Diarrhea During Their Period

For some women, their period brings on frequent trips to the bathroom. It’s hard to tell whether it's cramps or stomach pain. They also lose their appetite, feel nauseous, and sometimes end up vomiting or having diarrhea.

So, why does this happen? The culprit is prostaglandins—hormones that help the uterus contract to shed menstrual blood. But when there’s an excess of prostaglandins, it can cause the uterus to contract too strongly, resulting in painful cramps.

On top of that, extra prostaglandins enter the bloodstream and stimulate the digestive system. This can cause the muscles in the intestines to contract too much, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. So, for some women, period pain and digestive issues happen together, making an already uncomfortable time even worse.

2. Why Your Stomach Keeps Rumbling While Sitting for Long Periods

Ever sit through a long meeting, lecture, or even just rest in bed, only for your stomach to start growling and suddenly you feel the urge to go to the bathroom? But after rushing to the toilet, nothing happens. You end up going back to your seat only for your stomach to rumble again. This can be so frustrating.

Why does this happen? When you sit for a long time or stay in one position, it can affect pelvic circulation. This causes blood to pool in the pelvic area, which then puts pressure on the rectum, triggering the urge to go. However, since there’s no actual stool to pass, you end up feeling bloated and frustrated.

3. Why Some Women Get Constipated During Their Period

On the flip side, some women experience constipation as their period approaches. They sit on the toilet for ages, only to pass hard, dry stools.

This can be because of progesterone, a hormone that slows down the digestive system during your period. When progesterone is high, it can lead to constipation and a sense of being backed up.

4. When Digestive Issues and Period Pain Become More Serious

In rare cases, women experience a combination of abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or even blood in the stool during their period. This could indicate something more serious, such as endometriosis, where the tissue grows outside the uterus and affects the digestive system. However, if the blood in the stool is cyclical and follows your period’s timing, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

How to Manage Diarrhea During Your Period

1. Reduce Prostaglandin Levels

Since prostaglandins are the main culprit behind both cramps and diarrhea, controlling them can help with both issues.

One way to do this is by taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen or indomethacin. These medications work by reducing prostaglandin production, which can ease painful uterine contractions and calm the digestive system. It’s best to take these 1-2 days before your period starts. If you wait until symptoms are already present, it can take 30 minutes to an hour to feel relief.

Another option is heat therapy. Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen can improve circulation and help break down prostaglandins faster, providing relief for both pain and digestive discomfort.

2. Improve Pelvic Circulation

Try not to sit or lie down for too long. If you’re working or studying, get up and move around every hour. When your period is especially uncomfortable, avoid lying down all day. Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can improve blood flow in the pelvic area and help ease discomfort.

3. Stay Hydrated

If you’re dealing with diarrhea, dehydration can be a concern. Drink oral rehydration solutions or mild saline drinks to stay hydrated. If the diarrhea is severe and you’re losing too much fluid, it’s important to see a doctor and get IV fluids.

4. Watch What You Eat

Avoid cold drinks, as they can irritate your stomach. Stick to warm drinks like herbal teas or broths, and eat light, easy-to-digest foods like porridge. Also, try to avoid greasy, spicy, or overly salty foods, as well as caffeine-heavy drinks like coffee or milk tea.

How to Manage Constipation During Your Period

1. Drink Plenty of Water and Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

Aim for 8–10 cups of water daily and include more fiber in your diet, such as corn, celery, spinach, and bananas. This will help keep your digestive system moving smoothly.

2. Light Exercise

While you don’t want to overexert yourself, light exercise can be very helpful for constipation. Walking, yoga, or gentle stretching can encourage bowel movements without exhausting you.

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