Dealing with Constipation During Your Period: Causes and Treatments

Understanding Constipation During Your Period

It's common for women to experience gastrointestinal issues like constipation during their menstrual cycles. Shifts in hormone levels before and during your period can slow digestion, leading to problems like infrequent bowel movements, straining, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

What Causes Constipation During Periods?

Hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation often play a central role in constipation by:

• Slowing muscle contractions that move food through the bowels
• Increasing water reabsorption from stool, leading to harder bowel movements
• Altering neurotransmitter levels, disrupting gut-brain signals

In addition, common premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms can exacerbate constipation:

• Bloating and cramping may obstruct bowel movements
• Stress affects gut motility and function
• Some pain medications contain constipating compounds

Tips for Managing Constipation During Your Period

Making certain diet, lifestyle, and OTC medication changes may help get things moving if you regularly deal with constipation during your period:

Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods

Filling up on high fiber fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds can help draw more water into your colon to soften up stool.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can have dehydrating effects. Some herbal teas may also have gentle laxative benefits.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity accelerates digestion and intestinal contractions. Aim for at least 30 minutes per day of moderate exercise like walking.

Take OTC Laxatives If Needed

Fiber supplements, stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, or stimulant laxatives can provide short-term constipation relief. Follow label instructions carefully.

When to See Your Doctor

While occasional constipation is normal during your period, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• No bowel movements for 3+ days despite home treatments
• Hard, painful bowel movements with bleeding
• Inability to pass gas
• Persistent abdominal pain, cramps, bloating
• Unintentional weight loss

These may indicate a possible bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal disease or disorder.

Medical Tests for Chronic Constipation Issues

If you deal with severe or consistent constipation during your periods, your doctor may recommend tests to identify potential underlying causes unrelated to hormones, including:

Blood Tests

These check for thyroid dysfunction, celiac disease, diabetes, electrolyte imbalances and other systemic conditions affecting digestion.

Imaging Tests

Abdominal X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans allow doctors to visualize obstructions, slow colon motility, rectal issues and more.

Endoscopy & Colonoscopy

Doctors insert a tiny camera to inspect the lining of the colon and intestines for inflammation, polyps, tumors and other abnormalities.

Transit Study

You swallow a small capsule containing markers that monitors how quickly food moves through the colon.

Anorectal Testing

These exams evaluate nerves, muscles, and anal sphincters involved in bowel movements and passing stool.

Medical Treatments for Severe Menstrual Constipation

If lifestyle adjustments and OTC laxatives aren't effective, your doctor may prescribe medications including:

Lubiprostone

This helps draw fluid into the intestines to improve bowel movement passage.

Linaclotide

It stimulates receptors in the intestines to increase fluid secretion and accelerate transit.

Plecanatide

Working similarly to linaclotide, this medication boosts intestinal fluid production.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth and restore healthy gut microbes.

Antispasmodics

These medications relax intestinal muscles, easing cramping and bloating during periods.

When to Consider Seeing a Gastroenterologist

Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist if you have:

• Ongoing constipation and straining with menses after trying medications and lifestyle remedies
• Blood in your stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• A strong family history of gastrointestinal diseases
• Significant impact on quality of life from PMS constipation

A gastroenterologist can help identify causes of persistent menstrual-related constipation, provide specialized treatments, and monitor your condition long-term.

Prevention Tips for Constipation During Periods

Making proactive lifestyle changes may help reduce instances of constipation when you get your period:

Take Prebiotics and Probiotics

These support healthy gut bacteria tied to regularity.

Manage Stress Levels

Anxiety and high stress negatively impact digestion. Try yoga, meditation, journaling and otherrelaxing activities.

Use Heating Pads

Applying heat to your abdomen can help alleviate cramping and muscle tension linked to constipation.

Adjust Your Birth Control

Hormonal contraceptives can worsen constipation. Discuss alternatives like copper IUDs with less effect on digestion.

Pay attention to whats normal for your body. Track any connections between your menstrual cycles and constipation episodes to determine optimal prevention approaches. Working closely with your healthcare providers can help get your digestive system back on track.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.