Diarrhea On Period. What Gives?

[GFreeMO]

Just wondering what causes diarrhea on your period. This is non gluten related D. Does anyone else get this and know why it happens?

[divamomma]

Yes I get it and I don't have celiac. No clue why though!Hormones I guess.

[kareng]

This is what was explained to me years ago.

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The exact reasons why diarrhea occurs during your period aren't fully understood, but it is quite common and often tied to menstrual cramps. Believed to be at the root of the cause are prostaglandins, chemicals released during your period that allow the uterus, and thus the intestines, to contract. Prostaglandins can also cause other pain associated with dysmenorrhea, the medical term for painful menstrual periods. Prostaglandin-related cramps and diarrhea usually occur in the first three days of your menstrual period.

[mushroom]

Yep, those nasty little prostaglandins used to get me all the time

[GFreeMO]

Oh Joy! Fun being a woman sometimes...

Thanks for the info ladies!

[dilettantesteph]

It seems to me that during my period I am notice lower levels of gluten cc in the form of diarrhea. When I am really cc free I don't have D during my period, and when I have some cc, I do get D during my period. The other symptoms of gluten cc also seem to be magnified during my period. Maybe the hormones magnify the immune reaction somehow.

[shadowicewolf]

ugh god yes, its annoying as heck. But what is worse is C when you have it its just NOT right.

[domesticactivist]

I always thought it was because there is smooth muscle in both the uterus and intestines so if the uterus is being stimulated to contract and release the lining of the uterus maybe there is some sort of cross-over effect.

That said, since being on GAPS I've noticed this effect isn't nearly as noticeable as it used to be.

[wheeleezdryver]

yep, same here for me since I was in my mid 20's.

It made for a nice change from chronic C the rest of the time (I would usually only have the D issue once, the morning my period started).

Although, now that I've been gluten-free a year, I've noticed I haven't really had the D during my periods like I used to.

and my C the rest of the time seems to be getting better, to.... maybe things are starting to even themselves out, IDK.

I always thought this was one of those 'just me' issues....I'm kinda glad to know that isn't the case!...

[Staceyshoe]

I had this for years (and I do not have celiac or gluten intolerance). When I went to an acupuncturist for hormonal imbalance, my periods became lighter, more regular, and no more diarrhea. It's been 8 years since my last acupuncture treatment, and the positive effects are still there.

[Juliebove]

I actually googled this once. Has to do with hormones. Some people get constipated instead. I used to always get really sick to my stomach at the start of it and have what I called the intestinal dump. Thankfully that seemed to go away at some point. Maybe mid 20's? I can't really remember. I'm 52 now.