How the Menstrual Cycle Affects Digestion Insights and Solutions

Our sex hormones, especially progesterone, do more than just play a decisive role during pregnancy. An often undesirable effect of this hormone is constipation, as it paralyzes the muscles of the intestine to a certain extent. During pregnancy, progesterone is constantly produced by the placenta, which is why many pregnant women suffer from constipation during this time. Shortly before menstruation, if the egg has not been fertilized, there is a significant drop in progesterone, which additionally stimulates digestion and promotes diarrhea.

• Prostaglandins are tissue hormones, i.e. they are produced by cells in the tissue and not by specific glands.
• There are several groups, some of which have opposing effects. Group 1 prostaglandins, for example, have an anti-inflammatory effect, while group 2 prostaglandins promote inflammation and increase the perception of pain.
• Group 2 prostaglandins are increasingly released during menstruation in order to start a natural inflammatory process and shed the lining of the uterus.

However, these prostaglandins have a dual effect - they also signal muscle contractions in the uterus and the intestine. This can lead to increased bowel movements, flatulence, diarrhea, and menstrual cramps.

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.
• To relieve abdominal cramps and bloating during menstruation, ibuprofen or aspirin can be helpful in addition to taking magnesium regularly. These medications inhibit an enzyme that promotes the production of prostaglandins. As prostaglandins play a role in the development of menstrual pain, ibuprofen and aspirin can also be effective against common menstrual pain