Diarrhoea and period - recommendations please

[Angell78]

Most months my 13 year old daughter gets diarrhoea during her period. Saturday she spent 2hrs on the toilet and again this morning, once it passes she is fine and brightens up really quickly. She suffers rather heavy periods with pain so this really tops it off for her (she does take floradix to help with iron). She’s had her periods for 3 years now and is regular so that’s not an issue and I really don’t want to consider the pill for her due to history of breast cancer in the family. I’ve never suffered myself in any capacity with periods so I feel at a loss! Does anyone have any advice? Found any supplements that have helped?

I believe it's pretty common , as it's caused by the same hormones which bring your periods on. I had it for years. I found that it helped to take anti-diarrhoea medications like Loperamide. Probiotics may also help. Good luck !

I would have a chat yourself with the GP about the risks associated with breast cancer and the pill. There is so much conflicting info online.

As well as she seeing the GP I would encourage your DD to keep a daily pain and symptom diary as if she was to see a gynae this would give them clues. Spending two hours on the loo because of her bowels being affected during menses is not something that anyone should put up with.

I'm the same but only on my highest flow day. I take a buscopan to help with the cramping

Thanks for your responses, we saw the ‘period nurse practitioner’ last year and she told us that she wouldn’t recommend anything hormonal for her heavy periods and would be a real last resort. (My sister was was only 36 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had been on the pill from a very early age and for a long while, the cancer was oestrogen feeding apparently (or words to that effect ?!)) I’m going to increase her probiotics and try the buscopan, some months it’s the complete opposite then we threaten to get dyno-rod in 😂 It’s horrible being a teen 😩 will take her back to doctors so at least they can document it even if they can’t do anything.