Most menstruating humans know to expect cramps, pimples, fatigue, and maybe even some mood swings.
But a good portion of us also get bloating and some pretty stinky period farts.
Experts in This Article
Nicole Bullock, DO, is a gynecologist in Abilene, TX.
Sarah Toler, DNP, is the science content lead for the period-tracking app Clue.
Prostaglandins are kind of like hormones and they cause inflammation, especially in the uterus, she says.
These chemicals are a normal part of menstruationeveryone has them.
Nicole Bullock, DO, is a gynecologist in Abilene, TX.
you’re able to blame prostaglandins for your cramps.
Some people can also blame them for gas and bloating.
If youre prone to having period cramps, you tend to also have GI issues.
And so you probably have more prostaglandins and more inflammation than someone who does not, Dr. Bullock says.
This explains the infamous period poops.
But prostaglandins can do two other things that might cause gas: relax smooth tissue and increase electrolyte secretion.
So your bowels are relaxed and now you have a flood of electrolytes in your system.
Both of those things can lead to period farts or evenperiod diarrhea, Dr. Bullock says.
Hormonal birth control down-regulates those prostaglandins, Dr. Bullock says.
Nicole Bullock, DO, is a gynecologist in Abilene, TX.
And fewer prostaglandins means fewer period farts.
If youre not interested in hormonal birth control, you might use another period standby: Motrin.
The uterus has COX receptors, where prostaglandins are created.
Itll reduce inflammation and make you less gassy.
The first: avoid eating things you know make you gassy.
Specifically, salty foods like broths and sports drinks (just dont overdo it), Toler says.
This may help reduce bloating by pulling some of the water out of your body, she says.
Note: Toler is suggesting broth and sports drinks, not equally salty pizza or chips.
Processed foods can cause gas and diarrhea, so tread carefully.
A lot of this can definitely just fall under very normal PMS symptoms, Dr. Bullock says.
Your doctor should be asking you about your periods, she says.
So, for the most part, period farts shouldnt make you worry.
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