How your period affects when you go #2

August 17, 2018

Bloating and cramping during periods? Yes, but how about the your popping habits, how are they affected by your period?

Constipation

For two weeks leading up to each period there is a hormone called profesterone. It is the same hormone that is released in pregnancy, and it stops the uterus from contracting. However, it also makes the bowel contract less, leading to constipation and bloating.

Fluid retention

In addition, when your period causes the release of hormone profesterone, it can cause an increased appetite, sometimes with food cravings, weight gain and fluid retention.

Needing to wee more

After two weeks the level of progesterone drops, causing a period to start. The fall in progesterone, and an increase in chemicals called prostaglandins, cause diarrhoea and painful cramps. The retained fluid is passed in the urine, causing more frequent trips to the bathroom.

Stress and anxiety

You might not know it, but stress and anxiety can change your bowel movements during your period. Because there are more neurons in the stomach and intestines than in the brain, when you get nervous, it throws your bowel movements out of their normal sync.

So there you go, A not-so-fun side effect of your period — explained!