SIDE CHAT - Period Poops - 73% of us get them but what are they?

Welcome back to another 10 minutes of three 20 somethings discovering things we wished we learned sooner.

Does your digestion change throughout your cycle?  If you answered yes you are not alone! 

What are period poops?  This term refers to the change in your digestion from your luteal phase through your period and cramping while trying to go to the bathroom.  This can include both constipation and diarrhea.  A research study in 2021 found that 73% of menstruators experience changes in digestion throughout their cycle and before their period.  While everyone is different these digestion changes can be caused by swift changes in estrogen and progesterone coupled with increased prostaglandins that often come from increased inflammation.   

* Additional fact --> anyone dealing with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts may experience more intense bowel movement changes throughout their cycle.

Research to check out:

1. https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6874-14-14