Or is period diarrhoea fucking awful?

[toysoldier]

Just that really. Every time I have my period the first few days are so heavy I'm passing clots and my bowels go totally nuts... the worst room clearing farts ever and diarrhoea. I often don't know if the cramps are menstrual or diarrhoea. Today and yesterday have been horrific. Please tell me it's not just me!!

Yes I get this too. Not too badly, like not actual diarrhea as it's usually only one or two loose stools a day and usually not with too much urgency, which isn't enough to be called diarrhea, strictly speaking. But it is still a bit grim and a pain in the arse (har. Har.)funny timing that I just saw this after passing one

Here in solidarity with you, OP.

Way TMI coming up...

Today is day 1 of my period. I’ve had 8 terrible poos so far, and now my arse is bleeding.

Mmm. Progesterone poos!

Constipation first, along with PMT, then the floodgates open.

I'm pg at the moment, and do not miss this.

Yes, that’s right @sar302 it’s prostaglandins a hormone.

This hormone regulates the contraction of the womb and the gut. They go hand in hand messily to the lav. for a mighty clean out.

Ponstan stops it. Ask your GP.

I'm 44, perimenopausal and get period diarrhoea - the bloody pits and my period is no longer every 28 days for 3 - I don't know when it will happen or for how long 😞😲

I always thought I was weird and was too embarrassed to ask about this, I'm actually very glad it's not just my weird body lol. I drink more water and have less caffeine but otherwise I eat and drink as normal with it. I get awful pain and nausea on mine too, I can't take hormonal contraceptives but my sister did say that the implant stopped her periods completely.

its because the hormones relax smooth muscle, which is what the bowel is..... or something like that. also why you get back ache, though not why you want to kill DH

I think it's to do with the hormone (possibly prostaglandin?) that trigger uterine contractions. Sometimes it acts on bowels too, hence diarrhoea.

Ibuprofen really makes a difference with me.

Oh. All the last load of posts loaded after I posted. Sorry to be repetitive!

They're good from my point of view. I've had chronic constipation since infancy, and at least I know a) I'm actually not going to be bloated and sore for a few days and b) from the first lengthy bathroom visit, that I'm definitely coming on within the next 24 hours, so no getting caught out.

Horrific PMT and constipation, followed by heavy period and the runs.

It’s lovely.

Ibuprofen really makes a difference with me

I used to take ibuprofen and paracetamol combined. It made fuck all difference, but I am very glad to hear that one alone works for others.

Things improved a bit for me, very slightly, when I was put on long term Naproxen and paracetamol, with a side order of Amytryptiline (for another condition, but I was not complaining).

Absolutely terrible isnt it. I used to get diarrohea and sickness for the first few hours and terribly heavy period. For the first 4 or 5 hours usually thru to about 5 am and then have to go to work or school etc.

My mum took me to the Dr and I had tablets but would literally throw them up immediately.

Nowadays, I wonder whether it is worth exploring diets for particular times of the month, so you ensure you dont get constipated before due your period and vitamins and minerals to help you regain iron if needed. It might be worth exploring and discuss with GP.

Omg I’m 41 and this has just started happening to me! The shits for like 2 days before period then this month a massive horrid clot fell out (my fanny not my arse). Think I might be peri-menopausal as now bleed for 10-11 days and sometimes every 23 days. It really is joyful.

Not just you. The body produces hormones to allow the uterus to contract to expel the lining. This can irritate the bowel. Happens to most.

Uterine cramps. Bowel cramps. Fucking barrel of laughs

I'm 41 now and it just gets worse... menopause must be soon surely?? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

It's to do with your womb contracting, it forces the poop out

Apparently this is the cause:

Just before your period begins, the cells that make up the lining of your uterus begin producing more prostaglandins. These chemicals stimulate the smooth muscles in your uterus to help it contract and shed its lining each month.

If your body produces more prostaglandins than it needs, they’ll enter your bloodstream and have a similar effect on other smooth muscles in your body, like in your bowels.

I’ve got a coil but still seem to have a cycle. It’s about every 2 months. 2 night of no sleep and then utterly rancid diaorreah.

Add that to the crohns I already have and it’s a full on party.

My old flat mate had similar period oops and it was like something died.

M

Although I’ve always been aware of the effects of prostaglandins but I’ve always put this down to my IBS as no one I know get this so I find it reassuring so many of you get this too, I’m 47 and think I’m perimenopause as it’s getting worse, I really feel the effects of my cycle much more than I used to. I feel great the first two weeks of my cycle, then constipation and ovulation pain half way in and then it’s down hill from there until diarrhoea before period and horrendous heavy periods for the first 3 days, such fun being a woman!

I don't miss it. Miserable bowels and leg pains 😫.

I was always told you can get constipated when menstruating, but no, I get diarrhoea too

I could cuddle everyone that’s posted on here! For years and years I thought it was just me! The hypochondriac in me was terrified!!! Thank you!

I had this so So SO bad when I first started in my teens.. I have such a vivid memory of standing outside the science labs and having to run to the loos because it was all going horribly wrong down there.. it used to make me so miserable.

The pill sorted it out for me but after DC, I had the copper coil and it came back with a vengeance. I'm now heading j to perimenopause and its eased off again - although would almost welcome it back compared to my 'two whole weeks' between bleeding cycle - after being regular to the day for years, I keep getting caught out and it is horrible as its almost always when I am somewhere with no sanpro