Constipation Before Period: Prevention, Causes and Treatment

Menstruation is an essential biological function for a woman's reproductive health. It involves the monthly shedding of the uterus lining and often brings various symptoms such as constipation, bloating, gas production, and irregular bowel movements due to hormonal fluctuations in her menstrual cycle. 

According to Dr Joanna Longstaffe from Independent General Practice (IGP), "Up to 85%of UK based females report at least one symptom relating to pre-menstrual syndrome". These symptoms range from pelvic pain – dysmenorrhea- abdominal cramping, and tender breasts to mood changes; some also encounter little-known but frequently occurring issues of constipation before the period starts.

This article delves into details about experiencing constipation Before the Period - investigating why it happens, ways to prevent it, and discussing various treatment options available.

Constipation Before Period

Constipation, a widespread digestive issue, is marked by infrequent bowel movements and hard stools making excretion difficult. This condition often results in abdominal discomfort and bloating. Menstruation significantly influences digestion due to hormonal fluctuations - namely oestrogen and progesterone changes. During the initial phase of a woman's menstrual cycle leading up to ovulation (follicular phase), raised oestrogen levels expedite gut transit time resulting in more regular softer stool production.

Immediately after ovulation, however, there is a surge in progesterone production. Progesterone, dubbed anti-motility hormone- has an opposing effect to estrogens; it slows down the peristaltic movement of intestines, thereby extending gut transit times and increasing water absorption from faeces, making them drier and harder.

Therefore, the onset of constipation symptoms before the starting of female menses is not a mere coincidence but rather a consequence of the complex interplay between these shifting reproductive hormones.

It implies a direct correlational relationship between the evolving hormonal milieu inside the body and the changing pattern of how one digests food, which is associated with unpleasant side effects, such as having trouble passing the bowels preceding menstrual flow.

Causes Of Constipation Before Period

Hormonal fluctuations

Pre-menstrual constipation stems from the hormonal shifts during menstruation, involving oestrogen and progesterone. Rising oestrogen levels in the first cycle phase enhance bowel movement frequency by quickening intestinal transit. Post-ovulation sees increased progesterone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

 It acts on smooth muscles present within the uterus and extends effects to other organs, including the intestines. Progesterone tends to slow down intestinal movements, thus delaying the passage of faecal matter for longer periods, leading to higher amounts of water being reabsorbed, resulting in harder stools.

Dietary factors

Repercussions regarding pre-menstrual dietary habits inadvertently impact bowel movement significantly. A prominent shift in appetite and the emergence of specific cravings around time menstruation notably augments inclination towards consumption of low-fibre but high-fat, high-sugar foods.

During the latter half of the menstrual cycle, women often experience distinct changes in their food preferences as part of a physiological response to increasing progesterone levels. Progesterone stimulates brain parts that control hunger, making one eat more; however, not all types of food are favoured.

Often, there is a marked preference for "comfort" foods laden with fats, sugars, and salt as they act as ‘mood elevators’ by boosting serotonin levels, which had been low during the pre-menstrual phase. These diet choices, being restrictive fibre, serve to disrupt the regularity of digestion, thereby culminating in constipation.

Lifestyle Factor

Certain lifestyle factors indeed have an impact on the occurrence of constipation before a period, including physical activity levels and stress.

Physical activity is one such factor that influences bowel movement dynamics. Regular exercise stimulates muscles in the lower part of the body, thereby promoting more efficient intestinal motility, which helps to push food through the digestive tract, aiding the regular expulsion of waste substances. In contrast, a sedentary lifestyle encourages slower gut transit time, contributing towards the development of hard, dry stools; the risk of experiencing constipation symptoms increases notably on days leading into menstruation.

On another front lies stress, a known disruptor of normal physiological processes within the human body. Stress triggers the release of cortisol hormone designed to help a person cope with difficult situations by inducing a 'fight-or-flight response.' Consequently, elevated cortisol results in shunting blood away from non-essential systems during acute stressful periods relative state. This includes redirecting blood flow to the intestines, causing slowed motility and increased water reabsorption, making stool harder to pass.

Moreover, lifestyles characterised by poor hydration habits and lack of fibre-containing foods might set the stage for the onset of pre-periodic constipation as well. Fibre is essential for forming soft, bulky stools. At the same time, adequate fluid intake ensures faecal matter remains sufficiently hydrated and easy to pass, hence mitigating risks that become associated with the symptomatology of ongoing PMS.

Other Factors

Hormonal changes during menstruation primarily cause constipation, but other factors contribute as well. Dehydration often leads to harder stools that are difficult to pass because water is essential for softening stool and aiding in its intestinal transit. Insufficient water intake can lead the body to draw more from faecal matter, resulting in drier, tougher stools which can provoke constipation symptoms.

Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often used for menstrual pain relief, also add to this issue by disrupting prostaglandin production—chemicals needed for smooth muscle contractions including those within our gastrointestinal tract. Reduced levels of these chemicals slow down intestinal transit times leading eventually to infrequent and hardened bowel movements.

Treatment Options

Home Remedies

Controlling constipation before menstruation requires a combination of dietary adjustments and home treatments. A diet rich in fibre, incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables as well as nuts and seeds into daily meals can enhance gut health leading to regular bowel movements. An NIH study suggests reducing or even eliminating fiber intake could alleviate constipation effectively. Hydration is significant too for avoiding digestive issues - more water consumption helps maintain body fluid balancing which also softens stools ensuring smoother intestinal transit. Also drinking warm teas like chamomile or ginger may help soothe upset stomachs while lessening bloating often seen with constipation.

Over The Counter Medication

Treatment for pre-menstrual constipation may include over-the-counter products like laxatives and stool softeners. Laxatives work by stimulating intestinal contractions or attracting water into the intestines for easier faecal passage, while stool softeners add moisture to stools aiding in their easy passage. These medications provide temporary relief from persistent hard stools.

However, it's crucial to understand that using laxatives requires proper guidance and precautions since everyone responds differently to medicines including laxatives hence appropriate dosage frequency is vital to prevent potential side effects such as cramping, nausea, or dehydration.

Prescription Medication

When premenstrual constipation persists and increases discomfort, seeking professional medical advice could be necessary. Doctors usually suggest a blend of treatments, customised based on the individual's severity of symptoms and overall health condition. Prescription drugs for managing menstrual-related constipation can include osmotic laxatives like macrogols or stimulant varieties such as Bisacodyl and Senna that function by augmenting water content in the bowel to soften stools thus easing their passage. Stool softeners, such as Docusate Sodium lubricants like Liquid Paraffin, have also been utilised to ease the process of excretion.

However, it is important to note that any medication must be supervised, and healthcare professionals should keep the side effects profile in mind while using them.

In case of non-responsiveness first-line treatment options as mentioned above, a person still having trouble dealing with pre-menstrual constipation then needs to consider seeking help from a specialist and discuss other alternatives. Hence, effective management relies upon correctly identifying causal factors followed by suitable therapeutic interventions to ensure comfort during the menstruation cycle.

How To Prevent Constipation Before Period

Dietary Changes

Preventing constipation before the period involves making conscientious decisions relating to diet and hydration. Dietary changes, particularly an increase in fibre intake, play a pivotal role in maintaining the regularity of bowel movements.

Fibre adds bulk to stool and eases its passage through the intestines; hence, consuming adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with naturally high fibre content optimises digestive health. As per the British Nutrition Foundation, females aged 17 and above recommended daily intake of dietary fibre is around 30g.

Staying well-hydrated is integral in combating the onset of pre-menstrual constipation, as water softens stools and ensures smooth transit to the gut tract. According to the British Nutrition Foundation, keeping up with the recommended minimum of 2 litres per day for women prevents hardening faeces.

On the other hand, limiting processed foods' sugars is essential. These tend to be low-beneficial fibres but heavy on additives and preservatives, which disturb normal functioning bowels.

Lifestyle Modification

Establishing healthy habits and maintaining regular patterns can certainly contribute significantly towards managing pre-menstrual symptoms effectively. Regular exercise aids digestion by activating gut muscles, thus shortening the transit time of faecal matter in the colon. This could involve including moderate forms of physical activity such as walking, jogging, or swimming into your daily regimen.

Furthermore, stress is a significant factor in causing digestive issues like constipation. Techniques for managing stress such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation have been proven to positively affect overall bowel health by enhancing one's emotional approach towards their body.

Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fibre and adequately hydrating throughout the day significantly prevents PMS-induced constipation. Another key point is to limit the intake of processed sugary foods, which are known to disturb normal digestive workings.

Women need to heed their bodies to respond to hormonal changes appropriately. Concerted effort blending medical guidance and care measures leads to a healthier menstrual experience devoid of discomforts like pre-period constipation.

Regular Bowel Habits

Establishing regular bowel habits constitutes one of the most effective preventive measures against constipation before a period. Consistency and routine play crucial roles in regulating digestive health.

Sticking to set meal times with a balanced fibre-rich diet improves overall gut functioning and supports smoother bowel movements. Dietary guidelines for adults recommend a daily intake of at least 30g of fibre to maintain healthy digestion.

It's equally important to prioritise timely response to natural urges for defecation. Rather than suppressing such instincts, responding to them promptly ensures faecal matter doesn't remain within the intestines too long, thereby preventing hardening stools and causing difficult passage.

Furthermore, the inclusion of physical activity in everyday life not only promotes general well-being but also aids the movement of food along the digestive tract, enhancing chances of easier excretion.

Supplements And Natural Remedies

Preventing constipation before a period involves proactive lifestyle modifications and, potentially, the use of certain supplements or natural remedies.

Probiotics have been widely advocated due to their role in promoting gut health. They consist of beneficial bacteria that aid digestion by helping break down food substances, increasing nutrient absorption, and softening stools by producing short-chain fatty acids. Regular intake of probiotic-rich foods, such as yoghurt, Kefir kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi, is often recommended as a balanced diet. Research suggests they might effectively be adjunct to maintaining regular bowel movements. Here you can find an article on the best probiotics you can use for better gut health. You can also find additional options of probiotics in our probiotics section at welzo. 

Natural herbal teas, such as peppermint tea and ginger chamomile, help soothe the digestive tract and stimulate its activity, thereby facilitating stool passage. Apart from these, Senna-based drinks such as Smooth Move Tea function as gentle overnight laxatives

Furthermore, dietary fibre supplementation, particularly soluble forms like Psyllium husks, is crucial in enhancing bulk stool and hydrating them, making them softer and easier to expel. Consuming it and adequate fluids improves overall gut transit times and reduces the chances of getting back up.

Therefore, a combination of correct nutrition strategy and appropriate usage of herbs and natural therapies offers a practical approach to preventing menstrual-related constipation outcomes. However, it is always wise to consult the healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure the safe application suits individual needs.

Other Digestive Issues To Watch For Before Period

Menstruation often brings with it a variety of digestive issues apart from constipation. In some instances, women might even experience the opposite effect - diarrhoea or loose stools- due to increased prostaglandin levels, which intensify colonic contractions, expelling faecal matter more rapidly.

Another notable pre-menstrual digestion-related problem includes bloating and water retention. The hormonal shifts happening in the body cause an alteration in fluid balance, leading to feelings of fullness, gassiness, and abdomen.

Experiencing heartburn acid reflux is not uncommon before menses, too. As progesterone tends to relax, the lower esophageal sphincter allows the backflow of stomach acids into the food pipe, resulting in a burning sensation in the chest, commonly known as acid regurgitation.

Moreover, changes in the gut microbiome have been observed throughout the menstrual cycle. Some studies suggest fluctuations in oestrogen progesterone influence the composition function of these beneficial bacteria, paving the way to transient dysbiosis imbalance between healthy -disease-causing microorganisms that impact overall gastrointestinal health.

When To See Your Doctor

While mild constipation before a period is fairly common and usually manageable through lifestyle modifications, certain instances necessitate medical attention.

If one experiences severe abdominal pain or discomfort with bowel movements persisting over a few days, contradictory to their usual pre-menstrual pattern, then it's time for consultation.

Other red flags indicating the need for urgent professional healthcare advice include blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, and disturbances in bowel habits. Moreover, if symptoms are not easing despite self-care measures adopted, such as adequate hydration, regular physical activity, dietary fibre inclusion, and probiotics use, warrant discussion with the doctor.

It might turn out signs of alarming underlying issues like Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Coeliac disease, and other serious gastrointestinal disorders that necessitate proper diagnostic workup treatment plans.

Bottom-line

Constipation before a period is largely influenced by hormonal changes, specifically the interplay between oestrogen and progesterone. Other contributory factors include dehydration and certain medication use. If persistent or severe, medical intervention involving prescribed laxatives or prokinetic agents might be necessary.

Preventative measures encompass lifestyle modifications such as increasing fluid intake, consuming probiotic-rich food items, and using herbal teas, natural remedies, and fibre supplements. While it's part of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), awareness regarding other potential digestive issues like diarrhoea, bloating, and acid reflux is beneficial. Any unusual gastrointestinal disturbance mandates immediate professional advice for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What helps pre-period constipation?

Pre-period constipation finds relief through lifestyle modifications, including sufficient hydration, regular physical activity, and dietary changes like fibre-rich foods and probiotic intake. Herbal teas and natural remedies offer additional assistance to ease gastrointestinal transit.

How can constipation be prevented and treated?

One might aim for a balanced diet packed with high-fibre foods and adequate fluid consumption to prevent and treat constipation. Self-care practices such as regular exercise are beneficial, too. In situations where these measures aren't effective enough, medical intervention becomes necessary involving prescription medications, namely laxatives, stool softeners, or prokinetic agents.

What hormone causes constipation before your period?

Progesterone is the hormone primarily responsible for causing constipation before the period. Its surge post-ovulation slows down gut motility, increasing water reabsorption from the stool and making it harder to pass.

What is the first treatment for constipation?

In instances of first-line treatment for constipation, an osmotic laxative is often suggested. It enhances the amount of water in the bowel, aiding the easy passage of faeces; however, initiating medication under a healthcare provider's supervision is always important.

How to treat hormonal constipation?

Hormonally related constipation is treated by strategically managing its root cause, most probable being progesterone dominance. This means tailoring therapeutic interventions to minimise the effect of elevated progesterone levels on intestines -from balancing hormones via medications and correcting diet habits to keeping the digestion system functioning optimally.