Diarrhea During Menstruation: Causes and Management

Many women find it embarrassing enough to discuss menstruation with their doctors, but when you throw diarrhea into the mix, it can be even more difficult to talk about. If you experience an increase in loose stools while you are menstruating, you may be wondering why and what you can do to cope. Here are some of the things that you should know about the causes of diarrhea during menstruation, as well as ways to manage the problem.

What Causes Diarrhea During Your Period?

If you suffer from a severe case of diarrhea during menstrual periods every month, it is likely due to dysmenorrhea, which is the medical term that is used to refer to painful menstruation. Women who suffer from primary dysmenorrhea experience it due to an increase in prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, which are hormone-like compounds, are produced due to cells which are formed in the lining of the uterus during menstruation, according to Health Services at Colombia University . Excess prostaglandins can cause bowel stimulation, which leads to diarrhea.

Secondary dysmenorrhea, which is caused by a uterine disease or abnormality, can also cause diarrhea and other painful period symptoms, according to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Some of the conditions that cause secondary dysmenorrhea include endometriosis, intrauterine adhesions, adenomyosis, and pelvic infections. If you suffer from diarrhea, cramping, and other period-like symptoms throughout most of the month but find that it worsens during menstruation, secondary dysmenorrhea could be to blame.

How Can You Manage Diarrhea During Menstruation?

If you suffer from diarrhea during your period, the best thing that you can do is talk to your gynecologist about what can be done to manage the problem. Treatment ultimately depends on the type of dysmenorrhea that you have. Women with secondary dysmenorrhea will generally experience relief by treating the condition or abnormality which is causing the problem.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce prostaglandin production and are an ideal option for women with primary dysmenorrhea, according to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Naproxen sodium is a NSAID that gynecologists commonly prescribe to women with painful menstrual periods. Aleve and other over-the-counter NSAIDs can also be ideal.

Whether you have primary or secondary dysmenorrhea, it is ideal to talk to your doctor about hormonal contraceptives which suppress ovulation. Extended-cycle birth control pills, such as Seasonique and Seasonale, can be an ideal option because they allow you to menstruate once every three months. This can allow you to experience relief in between cycles.

Keep in mind that no woman is alike. What may provide relief for one person may not necessarily work for you. The best thing that you can do is talk to your doctor about what could be causing diarrhea during your period, as well as ways to manage it.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health.

Sources:

Health Services at Colombia University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign