Why Do I Always Experience Diarrhea During My Period? Causes & Solutions

Diarrhea on your period is caused by prostaglandins, which make the uterus contract and also affect the bowel.

Why

Prostaglandins make the uterus contract and also trigger the bowel to contract. This causes loose stool.

Common

Up to 50% of people with periods have diarrhea at some point.

Other causes

IBS, endometriosis and food triggers.

Relief

• Fluids.
• Bland food.
• Ibuprofen lowers prostaglandins.

See a doctor

If diarrhea is severe, with blood, or lasts after your period.

Prostaglandin effect

Before and during periods, the uterine lining releases prostaglandins to contract the uterus. Excess prostaglandins reach the bowel, increasing contractions and causing loose stools, in some cases with cramps and nausea. Up to a quarter of women report diarrhea at periods in some surveys.

• Hormone shifts change gut motility and sensitivity.
• Women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often report more bowel symptoms around menstruation.
• Endometriosis can cause cyclic bowel pain and diarrhea.

Relief

Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes, eat bland foods, avoid caffeine and fatty foods, and use NSAIDs such as ibuprofen taken at the start of cramps, which reduce prostaglandins. Hormonal contraception can reduce symptoms. See a doctor for bloody diarrhea, severe pain, fever, symptoms that disrupt life, or pain with bowel movements, which can indicate endometriosis.

Prostaglandin effect

Prostaglandins released as the uterine lining sheds also cause contractions of the bowel, leading to loose stools in many people during periods. Studies show about 20 to 40 percent of women report diarrhea in menstruation.

Relief

Stay hydrated, avoid trigger foods like caffeine and fatty meals, and use NSAIDs early since they reduce prostaglandins. See a doctor for severe or bloody diarrhea.

Gut and uterus connection

Prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha cause both uterine and bowel muscle contractions, and also reduce water absorption in the gut. Studies show up to 73 percent of women report GI symptoms with periods. Women with IBS often notice flares at menstruation.

Management

Stay hydrated, eat low-fat meals, limit caffeine and sugar alcohols, and consider NSAIDs started early. Hormonal birth control can lessen symptoms. Seek care for blood in stool, severe pain, weight loss or diarrhea lasting beyond the period. Conditions like endometriosis involving the bowel and IBD can worsen during menses.

Based on data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Mayo Clinic