Why Your Period Poop Is Actually a Good Thing (and What It’s Telling You)

Let’s get real—periods don’t just bring cramps and cravings. They also tend to bring a change in bathroom habits. Some women deal with constipation before their cycle starts, others notice looser stools once bleeding begins. Awkward? Maybe. But gross? Not at all. In fact, your “period poop” is another clue your hormones are hard at work.

The Hormone–Gut Connection

• Progesterone Slows Things Down → In the luteal phase (the week or so before your period), progesterone rises. This can slow digestion, leaving you feeling a little backed up.

• Prostaglandins Speed Things Up → Once bleeding begins, your uterus releases prostaglandins to help shed its lining. The catch? These chemical messengers don’t just act on the uterus—they also affect your bowels, sometimes leading to looser stools or even diarrhea.

• Inflammation Adds Fuel to the Fire → Higher prostaglandin levels can trigger more cramping, bloating, and digestive shifts. It’s not your imagination—your gut really is more sensitive during this time.

  
  

How to Support Your Gut During Your Period

1. Eat Fiber Strategically → Aim for gentle fiber sources like cooked veggies, berries, and chia seeds. Too much raw fiber can actually worsen cramps and bloating.

2. Stay Hydrated → Dehydration makes constipation worse and diarrhea more depleting. Keep electrolytes handy (bone broth, coconut water, or a clean electrolyte mix).

3. Balance with Magnesium → Magnesium-rich foods (or a glycinate supplement) can ease muscle tension, support bowel regularity, and calm PMS mood swings.

4. Track the Pattern → If digestive changes line up with your cycle every month, that’s actually good—it’s a predictable signal of hormone shifts. But if things are extreme, irregular, or painful, it may be worth bringing up with your provider.

💡 HER+WELL Tip: Instead of dreading period poop, think of it as your body’s built-in detox. Your cycle is syncing with your gut, and those shifts are part of your body clearing out and renewing.

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