Ladies, have you ever wondered why your monthly visitor comes with not just cramps, but also with the oh-so-pleasant experience of painful bowel movements? Fear no more because we're delving deep into this topic to help you understand what's going on down there during shark week.
Defining Period Pain
Menstrual cramps are caused by the contraction of muscles in the uterus as it tries to shed its lining. These contractions reduce blood flow and oxygen supply that cause pain, soreness, and discomfort. Menstrual cycles don't just affect your uterus; however,the hormonal changes women go through in their menstrual cycle can cause poop-related problems.
Hormones: The Culprit behind Crappy Bowel Movements
During menstruation, hormone levels fluctuate significantly. Estrogen is responsible for thickening of the uterine lining while progesterone relaxes and dilates blood vessels in preparation for a potential pregnancy. While these hormones do wonders within our body to prepare ourselves for pregnancy or allow shedding if it doesn’t happen,they’re responsible for causing other parts of our body to behave oddly - they interfere with intestinal movement making evacuation difficult creating both constipation and diarrhea.
When estrogen levels drop near period time-you guessed right! Your digestive system also slows down as does everything else! Low level of hormones affects digestion resulting irregularity -constipation!
You may often find yourself running towards 'nature's call' frequently too—estrogen increases prostaglandin hormones – which are chemicals involved in inflammation & pain,it alsol ends up affecting your bowels! Prostaglandins make your intestines contract harder than usual leading to abdominal cramps,& since everything is squeezed together so tightly,constipated stool hurts even more due t o pressure put by intestine..so ouchie!
To sum things up - When estrogen and progesterone levels go haywire, they wreak havoc on natural bowel movements. This means you may experience anything from diarrhea to constipation, making the situation more painful.
The Role of Prostaglandins in Period Pain
Prostaglandins are hormones produced by your uterus that cause contractions (hence period cramps). But these little suckers don't just affect your vagina; alas,they also make their presence felt in your rectum too - Their increased secretion results insqueeze effect during BMs and more pain 🙁
Don’t worry ladies, you can seek relief via anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen as it inhibits production of prostaglandin hormone!
But wait there's more! There’s a higher dosage specifically called ‘Prescription Doses Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication’(Dosages > 400mg/Day), which have been specially formulated to target menstrual pain &period-related cramping available usually over prescription after consulting medical professionals.This medication is very effective but…you’ll need an obligatory disclaimer – unintended side effects….
Luckily for us ladies who gasped rolling our eyes thinking 'of course....!" about any potential side-effects which raises concerns about taking such strong medications - In general Women with "normal health status" typically see minuscule adverse effects even at high doses(approximately <1%). Nevertheless do keep this statistic as something informative rather than opinion-forming-especially if intending to take high dosed medicine albeit without a prescription – always consult a doctor!
In summary however,you're now aware that excessive amounts of prostaglandins being secreted lead not only lead the uterus into contracting,gives bummer stomach conditions too when excess ends up heightening muscle contraction,basically doubling-down..doubly less enjoyable!
Blood Flow Matters
When estrogen levels decrease allowingprostaglandins hormone take action,and then what happens? It helps trigger uterine contraction, reducing blood flow to your pelvic region. Keep in mind,Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that sustains cells,’everything we need’ ultimately allowing muscles of the digestive tract to relax and work efficiently. Without adequate blood supply during period times these needs go unmet thus causing Painful bowel movements , this is further exacerbated given the fact that the BMs aren’t regular due fluctuating hormone levels as well.
That being said -regular exercise can increase simple areas like leg activity which increases overall blood flow & reduces menstrual pain…leading to efficient poop deliveries!
Things Aren't Always Black or White
“Why even start about black and white?” – you ask yourself. TMI but have you ever noticed darker discharge towards end of your monthly cycle? Ever wondered what it signifies?
What happens is when a mother’s egg meet sperm=ferilitisation!Once an embryo forms it travels down tubes heading into uterus whilst time ovulating(the release of anegg from its follicle marked by a rise in temperature), at day 14 post ovulation if fertilization does not occur then rupture also called ovulation stops so no progesterone production which begins thinning out lining pigments…resulting darkening appearances.
Endometrial tissue-usually evacuated through cervix –there are some scenarios where they don’t-they grow outside . This condition results on depending on intensity resulting painful intercourse/upset stomach discomfort too
So long story short,much as there exist responses such as those aforementioned above,you often get complex cases eg; endometriosis interrupting bowel movement-consequently inflicting much more serious level of belly ache ????..
In such/complex scenarios,it's best-served visiting health practitioner should any unusually hemorrhages,pain escalate / you find anything conspicuous ‘down there’ other than an incessant desire for Nutella & Milk wink
Eliminating the Pain
Alright ladies let’s focus on how to eliminate these nasty poop-related menstrual symptoms…because who wants to spend extra time in the bathroom? (Aside from scrolling through Instagram stories)
- Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water! Water is essential for preventing constipation by making stool softer and easier to pass.
- Fibre
Remember seeing fibre adverts while growing up…“5 a day helps ya work,rest & play”….same goes here...I heard about it from my friends friend, so its pretty legit 😉 Fibrous diets are ideal! It promotes healthy gut bacteria and eases bowel movements–think ‘greens’ fruits,nuts/seeds,& beans!
- Relaxation Technique
It's easy said than done but relaxation techniques can lessen muscle tension that makes periods worse-ways like- Yoga,Meditation,Hot Showers will alleviate uterine pressure hence reducing cramps too.
- Take medication as advised
If things get really bad NSAIDS such as aspirin or ibuprofen help blostering pain relief,if there are side effects however include ulcers / bleeding then unfortunately you might have seek out alternate options with ineffectiveness of over counter meds.
Whenever experiencing difficulties-relieve yourself collectively:imbibe fibres,increase exercise,i.e leg-tease/small cardio sessions which increase blood flow& meditate!
In Conclusion
Periods aren't fun,you know this,I know this-(seriously somebody explain why our bodies aren’t productive when we need them most )yet having awareness about period-poop relationship is crucial in managing your monthly visitor more comfortably..putting an end on unwelcome colon jabs associated with PMS-induced constipated passages ouchie