Shit! Why do I have period poops?

You’re in this shitty situation because of your changing hormone levels. During your period, the amount of prostaglandins in your blood is a lot higher than usual. This hormone causes the smooth muscle in the uterus to contract. In doing so, the lining of the uterus is being pushed out- that is, if you’re not pregnant, of course. It’s pushed out of your body together with some blood and that’s basically what your period is. 

Prostaglandin also ends up in the smooth muscle of your intestines.

But not only the smooth muscle in the uterus is influenced by the higher amount of prostaglandins in your blood. The smooth muscle tissue in your intestines also contract because of the hormones. Can you feel it coming..?  Yep, that’s exactly why you have to poop more often! But not only that, you can also get diarrhea, feel gassy or even feel nauseous.

Not ideal

You don’t have to feel ashamed for getting your period every month. But it sure can get awkward if you have to fart at the dinner table or if you have a poop attack right when your partner is nearby. Too bad there’s nothing you can do really, except for paying attention to what you’re putting into your mouth. You should try to drink lots of water and eat food with lots of fiber in it. It’s also best if you avoid sugar, spicy herbs and spices, and coffee. 

These symptoms are fairly normal but it’s advisable to visit your GP if they’re causing you any problems.