Many healthy premenopausal women experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms during their menstrual cycle, a phenomenon often referred to as 'period poops'. One study found that 73% of women in this group reported at least one significant GI symptom in the days leading up to or during their period. Common complaints included abdominal pain and diarrhea, with some women also reporting nausea and constipation.
Taylor Judkins, a nutrition researcher at the University of Florida, has spent over a decade studying this issue. She notes that menstrual and digestive discomfort frequently coincide. The primary theory suggests that as a period approaches, falling estrogen and progesterone levels signal the uterus to produce hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are believed to enter the bloodstream and stimulate contractions in the gut, similar to those in the uterus, which could explain the intestinal cramping and diarrhea.
Another theory involves the vagus nerve, which transmits signals between the gut and brain and is sensitive to stress and inflammation. Judkins theorizes that menstruation may activate this pathway, leading to fluid release and increased muscle contractions in the gut. While options exist to manage symptoms, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, dietary changes, and staying hydrated, a clear fix has not yet been identified. Probiotic trials have shown some improvement in indigestion but not diarrhea.