Ugh, the dreaded period. Cramps, mood swings, and…diarrhea? Yep, it's a common and unpleasant side effect of menstruation. But why does it happen? Blame prostaglandins! These hormone-like substances trigger uterine contractions, but they can also irritate your bowels, leading to increased bowel movements, and sometimes, full-blown diarrhea.
So, what can you do? First, stay hydrated! Diarrhea can dehydrate you quickly. Secondly, consider over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) following package instructions. A bland diet can also help soothe your stomach – think toast, bananas, and rice. Some women find that avoiding caffeine and dairy during their period helps minimize digestive upset. Finally, if your diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever or severe pain, see your doctor to rule out other potential causes. Period poop is no fun, but with a few simple strategies, you can manage it!
