Loose Stools and Your Period

If you know, you know

Have you ever noticed you’re more constipated the two weeks before your period and then just as your period is about to come you get loose stools? 
Well what’s at play here?
Just remember Poop, Prostaglandins and Progesterone.

Let’s start with progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that is dominant in the Luteal Phase of your cycle (meaning the two weeks prior to your bleed). Our intestines actually have receptors for our hormones and when progesterone is binding to these it will slow activity of your bowels, relax the smooth muscles along your intestines, and hence results in constipation. 
When our progesterone level is optimal , we tend to see this physiology not result in any issues. When it is negatively altered we can see constipation worsen.

Just prior to the onset of your period we see progesterone levels drop. Now, this suppressive effect the progesterone had on your intestines before is removed. 
We also see a release of prostaglandins a few days prior to the onset of your cycle. Prostaglandins are released to help the smooth muscles of your uterus contract. Likewise, it elicits its affects upon the smooth muscle of your gut resulting in more frequent and loose stools. 
Again, when we are able to optimize our body’s levels of prostaglandins we don’t tend to see these symptoms of cramping, loose stool, or diarrhea occur. However when we are in an inflamed state, have poor gut health, and/or are working with some kind of HPA dysfunction (for example thyroid conditions, stress, hormone imbalance) we see our bowels amongst other things affected.

Like other period associated symptoms there are many treatments and lifestyle changes we can implement to help you have a happy and healthy menstrual cycle