digestion? reproduction?

[kreie.livejournal.com]

Why exactly do digestive problems seem to accompany menstruation for a lot of women? The first day or two of my period always comes with a case of the runs, but it doesn't really seem like the two systems should be related.

Comments

[balmofgilead.livejournal.com]

Same thing happens to me.

This is just a guess, but yesterday I was reading an old copy of "Our Bodies, Ourselves," and in the section on Labor & Delivery, it mentions that women tend to get the runs in the days preceding the birth. They say it's nature's way of cleaning out to make more space and stuff in that area in preparation for all the impending action and pushing and stress. So maybe it has a similar function during menstruation? Sort of helping to relieve general congestion in the abdomen? There's a lot going on in that area then, too (though granted not nearly as much as with giving birth!). I get a kind of heavy feeling in my abdomen during my period, and I think it would be worse if my bowel were really full.

[lorithefreak.livejournal.com]

*gasp* i LOVE your icon! that was an awesome movie!

[balmofgilead.livejournal.com]

aw, thanks :)
at times i have been waaay too obsessed with american beauty.

[lorithefreak.livejournal.com]

i still don't understand it, but that's the beauty of it. i'm going to have to kidnap my friend that has it and watch it again.

[appletrees.livejournal.com]

I was just having a discussion with my boyfriend about this a few days ago.

I don't know why. But I'm glad I'm not the only one? :)

[katlynel.livejournal.com]

I've always assumed that since the cramping occurs in the whole area, that the muscular contractions from cramping sort of, uh, get things moving along.

[emalyth.livejournal.com]

That's what I heard. Whatever is responsible for causing the contractions in the uterus also causes contractions elsewhere.

[foureyeddarlin.livejournal.com]

I always figured that it was because of the hormonal changes that happen before menstruation. I tend to get general stomach upset and gas.

[alitaorg.livejournal.com]

i always just thought it was hormones.

[crankygirlie.livejournal.com]

My mom and I always have what we call "PMBM" ...the premenstrual bowel movement. It's a bizarre, fairly unique bowel movement, and neither of us knows exactly why. I also tend to have more sensitive bowels while menstruating. I'm guessing the swelling in the vicinity?

dunno.

[lemonly.livejournal.com]

hahaha :) that's great - PMBM :)

[adiasplat.livejournal.com]

It's due to hormone changes.

[lizzvoltage.livejournal.com]

Couldja back up them "facts"?

[adiasplat.livejournal.com]

read the other comments for your answer. No sense in retyping it. :)

[lizzvoltage.livejournal.com]

I did that! Actually, though, no one cited any information whatsoever- just "Oh I had that and it's hormones. :)" Simply wondering if you could back up your claim or not. You know, with proof.?

[pezessed.livejournal.com]

I can't eat sugary foods or caffiene while on the first few days of my period. It gives me a horribly upset stomache.

[lorithefreak.livejournal.com]

OH MY GOD! THAT USED TO HAPPEN TO ME ALL THE TIME! I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE! I LOVE YOU!

P.S. Sorry for the shouting. I got excited.

[pinktapestry.livejournal.com]

me too me too

the first couple of times it happened, i freaked a bit, but now i just know it's coming, so i'm prepared.

[lorithefreak.livejournal.com]

yeah. i know what you mean. it finally stopped happening about September of last year.

Way too much information

[heavenscalyx.livejournal.com]

Well, as so many people have said, hormones. Remember that in most cases, hormones are released systemically, and while the reproductive organs will have the most receptors for said hormones, other tissues do too.

Plus, as some other folks pointed out, the prostaglandins, which are the fatty-acid derivative chemicals that cause menstrual cramps, also affect other tissues. Prostaglandins are present in all cells and regulate the contractions of smooth muscles -- a la the intestines and the uterus -- and are also involved in inflammatory response and vasoconstriction.

Incidentally, ibuprofen is a potent prostaglandin inhibitor, which is why it's usually the best agent to use against menstrual cramps. Aspirin is a somewhat weaker prostaglandin inhibitor, but it's still useful.

[jameela.livejournal.com]

I was wondering about that too. I just started mine yesterday and I was in and out of the bathroom.

[fairybabyemily.livejournal.com]

ok. when i started having huge menstrual problems, i asked this of my dr.

see, when you are having what you call PMS, you are releasing hormones that cause all sorts of things that you wouldnt think should be related. remember that every hormone you have is a link in a chain of your hormones. so you release more of a certain amount of one hormone that causes gas and the runs. its normal, and not a big deal unless you pee out your butt.

one thing you can do to help is take things like midol or advil for several days before your period is due to start. anythingt hat is specifically for menstrual cramps should do the trick. i have a prescription that is JUST the meds that are in midol, but over the counter should work for most people.

hope that helps.

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

I don't know, but in high school and my early twenties, I could tell whether I was on my period (as if I didn't know) by the smell of my farts.