Menstruation is often not easy for women. It causes general discomfort, can be painful at times, and is often accompanied by disturbances that we are hesitant to talk about. Many of us experience, for example, digestive issues during menstruation. But why is that? Here are some explanations.
Digestive disorders during menstruation: still a taboo subject
Although only a few women talk about it, a study conducted in Canada in 2013 shows that many women suffer from digestive problems during their menstruation. More than a quarter experience diarrhea (28%), some suffer from nausea (14%) or even vomiting (3%). At the same time, more than half of the surveyed women also suffer from cramps and abdominal pain during this time.
Digestion and menstruation do not always go hand in hand. Women can also suffer from aerophagia, bloating, or constipation. Even women who normally do not have intestinal gas are troubled by such digestive issues during this time. Furthermore, these gases often smell bad, regardless of what the women eat. Some women alternate between constipation and diarrhea, making menstruation particularly burdensome.
Few women dare to talk about it. Despite the fact that menstrual and digestive issues occur simultaneously, they do not mention these symptoms to their gynecologist. The topic remains taboo, not because of the bowel problems themselves. Jack Parker, journalist and author of Le grand mystère des règles, believes that the taboo is more about menstruation itself. Most women find it easier to talk about their digestive issues than about their period, she says. Women do not always make a connection between digestion and menstruation because not much is said about it. The image of women in society, which corresponds to a beautiful, delicate, and feminine person who "always smells good," also contributes to this problem. In fact, women find it difficult to talk about their bleeding and the worries they have during this time.
What is the connection between digestion and menstruation?
Digestive problems should not be confused with premenstrual syndrome. PMS, which is also characterized by bloating and abdominal pain, has nothing to do with the digestive system. In fact, this phenomenon occurs before menstruation and often stops with the first bleeding. However, the fact that digestive problems and menstruation occur simultaneously is not a coincidence.
When menstruation comes, the uterus contracts to expel blood. Then its outer wall (endometrium) secretes substances called prostaglandins. These hormone-like compounds promote labor and are also used to induce childbirth. However, the prostaglandins do not remain in the uterus. They reach the intestines through the blood, which also causes increasingly rapid contractions. Thus, it happens that women suffer from their own digestive system during this time.
Constipation is caused by progesterone, which is present in large amounts just before menstruation. Bloating is caused by a change in the gut flora. This change affects the fermentation of food in the digestive tract and thus causes discomfort. Here again, hormones are involved.
What can be done for digestive disorders during menstruation?
Certain precautions can prevent or limit unpleasant interactions between digestion and menstruation. First of all, there are certain foods that are preferred during menstruation. Start with light meals. It is best to avoid large meals, fatty foods, dairy products, or other foods that can cause digestive problems. If you experience significant bloating, avoid soft drinks and foods like cabbage or beans. It may be beneficial to take probiotics as a supplement to improve gut flora. Consuming certain fermented foods can also help you produce good bacteria. Another piece of advice, elementary but effective, is to chew more to promote digestion. Chocolate during menstruation can be a source of comfort.
"In women who tend to suffer from constipation, fiber-rich foods should be preferred to avoid digestive disorders. Coffee can also help with digestion. In case of diarrhea, you should consume starchy foods. In any case, avoid too much sugar or salt."
Some women have an uncontrollable craving for certain foods during PMS and suffer from the consequences during their period. Keeping a food diary helps you recognize such disturbances and change your eating behavior. This way, digestion and menstruation can be more easily aligned.
For fans of natural remedies, it is recommended to take essential oregano oil in capsules, charcoal tablets, thyme tea, or light psyllium husk diluted in a glass of water. Sage tea can also help relieve stomach pain.
Finally, some medications, such as ibuprofen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in general, can limit the secretion of prostaglandins. This will reduce contractions and thus diarrhea. Also, ginger and heavy menstruation are being studied as effective complementary treatments for menorrhagia.
When should I be concerned about digestive issues during menstruation?
Most of the time, digestive issues during menstruation are harmless despite the discomfort they cause. Women who suffer from bowel problems (Crohn's disease, sensitive colon, etc.) or stomach issues often experience an increase in their symptoms. It may then be necessary to ask a doctor for an appropriate remedy so that these problems do not ruin your day.
If menstrual-related digestive issues are particularly painful or accompanied by other symptoms (bleeding in the rectum, difficulties and pain during bowel movements, bowel obstructions, etc.), you should consult a specialist. You should be especially vigilant if these symptoms occur with secondary dysmenorrhea, i.e., several years after the onset of the first period. In this case, digestive disorders and pain could indicate endometriosis, if the cells of the uterine lining have migrated to the colon.
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