Nursing Students Student Assist
Published May 22, 2007
shock-me-sane
534 Posts
I was asked by a friend why menstrual cramps (for her) often include loose stools. I have no idea. I tried to google on the physiology of this but have come up short.
any ideas?
beth66335, BSN, RN
890 Posts
I was asked by a friend why menstrual cramps (for her) often include loose stools. I have no idea. I tried to google on the physiology of this but have come up short.any ideas?
I think is is hormonal. Our hormone surges affect every part of our body systems, happens to me too sometimes.
morte, LPN, LVN
7,015 Posts
yup, hormones, the shift that is allowing mens., not the cramps themselves....constipation for a few days before is also fairly common...you might get a better/more thorough explanation on the ob/gyn board...good luck
jmgrn65, RN
1,344 Posts
my thouhgt was that the contractions of the uterus stimulated the bowel? That is just my guess. I have wondered the same thing also.
fiestygirl
46 Posts
i may have made this up in my head...but i think it has something to do with progesterone having a laxative effect. darn! now i have to look it up...ill get back to you.
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
17 Articles; 44,800 Posts
During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus produces hormones called prostaglandins which stimulate contractions of the uterus. Prostaglandins cause diarrhea in some women.
Etiology: A rapid movement of stool is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. If stool does not stay in the large intestine long enough, evacuation will be watery. Prostaglandins enable this to occur.
Drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen as well as some prescription drugs inhibit prostaglandin production and help to relieve menstrual cramping, including prevention of diarrhea.
Logos
229 Posts
Hmm.. you learn something new everyday. Now you know next time I have my period I am going to have something to think about while I sit on the pot.
justme1972
2,441 Posts
During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus produces hormones called prostaglandins which stimulates contractions of the uterus. Prostaglandins causes diarrhea in some women..
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My lifelong myster has been solved
HeatherB,CST
243 Posts
Same here! Every period, since age 14...bowel cramping accompanied by uterine cramping=one lousy couple of days! I try to eat a few bananas...that helps sometimes.
CoachDiva23
23 Posts
LOL i agree!