Summer, sunshine, cycle tracking: up to 25% off
01/19/2026 11:02 a.m.

How the menstrual cycle affects digestion: insights and solutions

Dr. Niels van de Roemer
Dr. Niels van de Roemer Medical Adviser

The hormonal connection between menstruation and digestion

The human body is an amazing, complex system controlled by hormones. These hormones not only play a crucial role in reproduction, but also influence numerous other biological processes in the body, including digestion. Especially during menstruation, these hormonal changes can have a variety of effects on our bodies, including our digestive system.

Why do diarrhea and bowel problems occur during menstruation?

Several factors can cause diarrhea and other bowel problems during menstruation. One of the main reasons is the increased release of prostaglandins around menstruation. These compounds have a dual effect: they signal muscle contractions in both the uterus and the bowel, which can lead to increased bowel movements, diarrhea, and softer stools1,2.

In addition, hormonal changes, particularly a drop in progesterone shortly before menstruation, can affect intestinal motility and lead to digestive problems4. Psychological factors such as stress or emotional strain can also affect the bowel.

Bowel problems during menstruation: what are the causes?

Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are tissue hormones, produced by cells in the tissue rather than by specific glands. There are several groups, some with opposing effects: group 1 prostaglandins are anti-inflammatory, while group 2 prostaglandins promote inflammation and increase the perception of pain. Group 2 prostaglandins are increasingly released during menstruation to start a natural inflammatory process and shed the uterine lining. Because they signal contractions in both the uterus and the intestine, they can lead to increased bowel movements, flatulence, diarrhea, and menstrual cramps1.

What influence does progesterone have on digestion?

The hormone that can cause constipation

Progesterone does more than support pregnancy. One often unwanted effect is constipation, because it relaxes the smooth muscle of the intestine and slows motility. During pregnancy progesterone is produced continuously by the placenta, which is why many pregnant women experience constipation. Shortly before menstruation, if the egg hasn't been fertilized, progesterone drops significantly, which stimulates digestion and can promote diarrhea4.

Will hormones make my digestive problems worse?

Women who already have gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may notice increased symptoms during their menstrual cycle. Progesterone and prostaglandins can contribute to abdominal pain, bloating, and other discomfort1.

Cravings and dietary changes

Hormonal changes across the cycle can increase hunger and cravings. This can shift eating habits, which in turn may affect the gut microbiome and change stool consistency and frequency2.

What can I do to relieve the symptoms?

If you suffer from digestive problems during your cycle, there are some steps you can take to alleviate these symptoms:

  • Diet: Eating a balanced and anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce digestive discomfort. Avoid highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeinated drinks. Instead, focus on fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. These can promote bowel health and reduce constipation.

  • Hydration: Make sure you drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. This can help prevent constipation and aid digestion.

  • Exercise: Moderate physical activity, such as walking or gentle yoga, can improve bowel motility and reduce stress, which can have a positive effect on digestion.

  • Stress management: Stress can exacerbate digestive problems. It is therefore important to incorporate stress reduction techniques such as meditation, mindfulness or relaxation therapy into your daily routine.

  • Heat therapy: A hot water bottle or a warm bath can have a soothing effect on menstrual cramps and gastrointestinal complaints.

  • Natural remedies: Some natural remedies such as ginger tea, peppermint tea or herbal teas can be helpful in relieving digestive discomfort.

  • Pain relief: Some people use NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to ease cramps; NSAIDs work by inhibiting the enzyme (COX) that drives prostaglandin production3. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what is suitable for you and the right dosage before taking any medication or supplement.

How can Daysy support me?

One possible solution could be to record and monitor your cycle with Daysy. If you record when - or more precisely - how your bowel movements change, you will be prepared if you are once again plagued by stomach cramps before menstruation, constipation or diarrhea 5 days before menstruation, or diarrhea shortly before, after, or during menstruation. You can log gastrointestinal symptoms throughout your cycle in the DaysyDay app to make it easier for you to understand how your body reacts to the different phases of your cycle.

To summarize, the menstrual cycle can have a significant impact on our digestion. By understanding these connections, you can take targeted measures to alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life during your menstrual cycle. However, if you have persistent or severe digestive problems, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out possible illnesses.

Learn more

Learn when menstrual irregularities are a cause for concern and when it’s time to consult a doctor. Discover key signs of cycle disturbances — from missed periods to heavy bleeding.

Cycle Disorders

Learn how stress can affect your menstrual cycle and how a cycle tracker can help you detect early signs of stress. Get helpful tips for managing stress and improving your quality of life.

Stress & Cycle

Discover all about PCOS: its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how tracking your cycle can support women living with this condition.

PCOS (PMOS)

Sources

1)
Bharadwaj, S.; Barber, M. D.; Graff, L. A.; Shen, B. Symptomatology of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease during the menstrual cycle. Gastroenterology Report. 3(3), 185-193 (2015).
DOI: 10.1093/gastro/gov010. Available at: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov .
2)
Bernstein, M. T.; Graff, L. A.; Avery, L.; Palatnick, C.; Parnerowski, K.; Targownik, L. E. Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. BMC Women's Health. 14, 14 (2014).
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-14-14. Available at: link.springer.com .
3)
Marjoribanks, J.; Ayeleke, R. O.; Farquhar, C.; Proctor, M. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (7), CD001751 (2015).
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001751.pub3. Available at: www.cochranelibrary.com .
4)
Speroff, L.; Fritz, M. A. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility.

Related content

Daysy
Daysy: Precise. Portable. Practical. The ideal fertility tracker for on the go, with a free app. No subscription.
Lady-Comp
Lady-Comp: No app. No Bluetooth. The fertility tracker with all your data on the device, offline. No subscription.
Teena
Teena: Be period ready. The period tracker made just for teens, with a free educational app. No subscription.

Daysy Germany

M.I.S.S. GmbH

+49-8841-4854166
info@eu.daysy.me