Experiencing diarrhea or constipation during or before menstruation? Fret not. Here is an explanation why these changes happen during this period.

While some experience mood swings and severe menstrual cramps, others may have experienced something suddenly going wrong with their digestion. Some may be embarrassed to ask if these are normal, but constipation and diarrhea, as per experts, are nothing out of the norm.

The time of the month certainly is not a laughing stock. It should be casually talked about, as it is part of a woman's life and is definitely a beautiful reminder of reproduction capability. That said, it is important to know how menstruation works, why some women experience constipation and diarrhea, and what causes these.

Causes of Constipation And Diarrhea

Scientifically, what causes constipation is the hormone progesterone, also the culprit behind bloating. After ovulation, the level of this hormone increases, and it will gradually and eventually drop, prompting the monthly period. Most women suffer constipation in days or a week leading to the start of their menstruation.

Now, there are also those irritating times when the poop won't just stop coming out. This usually happens during one's period, when everything one does seems to be annoying. This is caused by something called prostaglandin, which is normal as well.

London Doctors Clinic's Dr. Preethi Daniel explained that diarrhea shouldn't be a cause to panic and worry, stressing that many women suffer this. This debunks myth that either constipation or diarrhea is a sign of pregnancy.

"This is what causes the womb to contract, shred it's lining, cause the bleeding and also is trying to contract and limit the bleeding so you don't bleed out," Daniel said.

In layman's terms, prostaglandin orders the womb to "squeeze, squeeze, squeeze" the blood, and at the same time, it also does the same to muscles in the digestive tract, thus the irregular bowel movement. Sounds irreversible and unavoidable, right?

While there is no guarantee that one way will ultimately stop diarrhea or constipation from happening during menstruation, there are ways that will help in lessening the severity of these during periods. There are natural ways to help one, including being hydrated.

This is probably one of the most important things to consider in diets. Staying hydrated should always be a priority. One can also gradually add or introduce more fiber to the diet. However, it is important to do this slowly because overdoing it can cause diarrhea. Add some food with high omega 3 acids.