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 May 22, 2007 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 May 22, 2007 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 Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics. Has 16 years experience. May 22, 2007 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 May 22, 2007 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.
Editorial Team / Admin sirI, MSN, APRN, NP 18 Articles; 30,666 Posts Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB. May 22, 2007 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 May 31, 2007 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 Jun 5, 2007 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..My lifelong myster has been solved
HeatherB,CST 243 Posts Jul 16, 2007 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 Aug 14, 2009 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. LOL i agree!
