Period poops are more common than you think! Explore how hormones affect your digestion during menstruation and what you can do to reduce those runs to the restroom!
Let’s be honest — poop isn’t a popular topic. Especially when it comes to period poops. And yet, an estimated 73% of women experience regular shifts in their digestion during their time of the month! So if you’ve noticed changes in your bathroom habits during your period — you’re far from alone. In fact, you’re in the majority!
Aside from more trips to the bathroom, you may have noticed other changes in smell and consistency. While it can feel awkward to talk about at first, these changes are a normal part of getting your period.
In this article, we want to have an open conversation about period poops, because let’s face it – no one really talks about this! Our hope is to make this topic less intimidating while giving you all the information you need to understand these totally normal changes happening in your body.
Why Do I Poop So Much on My Period?
To understand why we poop more during our periods, we need to look at what’s happening with our hormone levels. Right before your period starts, your body increases production of a hormone called prostaglandins. These fatty acids help your uterus contract and shed its lining during menstruation.
Here’s the thing: if your body produces extra prostaglandins, they can start affecting other smooth muscles like your gastrointestinal tract. The effect: the prostaglandins cause your colon to contract more, leading to more bowel movements AKA trips to the bathroom!
Is Diarrhea Normal on My Period?
Beyond the increased frequency of restroom trips, diarrhea is another common period symptom.
The culprit: Those same prostaglandins. Beyond stimulating contractions, they can also make your bowels more active. Prostaglandins do this by increasing intestinal contractions and fluid secretion in your digestive tract, which speeds up how quickly food moves through your system.
→ Drink coffee? You might notice this effect is even stronger since caffeine has a natural laxative effect.
→ If you live with anxiety or digestive conditions like IBS, you may have a higher likelihood of period poops.
Constipation Can Be Normal Too!
Some of us might experience the opposite effect: constipation. This usually happens because of the hormone progesterone, which thickens your uterine walls for ovulation. Because progesterone peaks right before ovulation, many women experience some extra constipation and digestive issues around then.
That being said, you can experience constipation during your period if you have low levels of prostaglandins and high levels of progesterone.
What’s Going On With Period Poop Smell?
If you’ve noticed your poop smells different during your period, there’s actually a simple explanation…Hormones like progesterone and serotonin often prompt natural increases in appetite and can trigger unique food cravings, especially for sugary and refined foods. Together, these changes can lead to shifts in your usual eating habits, and yes — changes to your poop’s aroma.
Pain When You Poop During Your Period?
Pooping during your period can be uncomfortable. You may find the pushing movement creates pressure or triggers period cramps and spasms in your lower abdomen.
If you’re experiencing other pain, like cramps, headaches, or nausea when you poop on your period — you can thank your prostaglandins for that. While frustrating, these symptoms are common and entirely normal.
But if you’re experiencing significant pain that’s stopping you from going to the bathroom — please tell an adult you trust. They can help you set up a time to meet with your physician to make sure everything’s okay and help you feel more comfortable during your period.
Other Tummy Troubles
Of course, as you already know — period poops are far from the only stomach symptoms you’re likely to experience during your menstrual cycle.
You may also experience:
- Bloating
- Water retention
- Cramps (abdominal pain)
While these symptoms might feel like they’re related to your digestive system, they’re actually caused by — you guessed it — your period hormones!
3 Quick Tips to Manage Period Poop
While period poops are entirely normal, there are ways you can support your digestive system to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Boost your fiber intake to about 25g per day to help firm up loose stools
- Stay hydrated! This is extra important if you have diarrhea, which increases dehydration
- If bathroom issues are seriously disrupting your life, check in with your doctor — they’re there to help! (It could be a sign of underlying conditions, like endometriosis, Crohn’s disease, or ovarian cysts.)
Worried about Pushing Out Your Tampon?
It’s a common concern – after all, the same muscles that contract during a bowel movement are near your vaginal muscles. While it’s possible for a tampon to slip out while pooping (especially if you’re straining), it’s not something that happens often. Still, no one wants to fish a tampon out of a toilet!
(That’s where Pinkie’s ultra-absorbent, toxin-free pads come into play! Skip the tampon stress and give yourself peace of mind and comfort during your period, with Pinkie’s Pads.)
