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Every month, you get your period.
And every month, like clockwork, your digestive system slows down to what feels like a full stop.
If you frequently experience constipation just before or during your period, know that youre not alone.
So, what causes constipation before your period?
But its clear that progesterone and estrogen play a role.
Although these conditionshave different causes and symptoms, both can produce gastrointestinal discomfort.
OB/GYN, women’s sexual health expert, and author of the booksShe-ologyandThe She-quel
Remedies for constipation before your period
1.
Drinking warm liquidsin the morning is also effective, she adds.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
A regular exercise routine can also help prevent future constipation before your period.
Heres How I Finally Figured It Out
5.
…or a bulk-forming laxative
Another over-the-counter option to get things moving?
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as fiber supplements likeMetamucil,Citrucel, andMiralax.
These are gentlest on your body, says Dr. Ross.
Add a magnesium supplement
Adding a magnesium supplement at bedtime can improve colonic motility, says Dr. Khapra.
OB/GYN, women’s sexual health expert, and author of the booksShe-ologyandThe She-quel
Can you prevent pre-period constipation?
All of the strategies above can help prevent constipation from occurring before and during your period, too.
If you have heavy, painful periods orendometriosis, talk to your doctor about your options.
FAQ
Is constipation a symptom of pregnancy?
Pregnancy can be challenging for a womans bowel habits, says Dr. Ross.
When youre pregnant, you experience significant hormonal changes, including a jump in progesterone.
Can constipation cause delay in period?
On its own, constipation shouldnt delay your period, according to Dr. Ross.
If youve missed your period, consider taking a pregnancy test to be safe.
Do you get constipated during ovulation?
This usually occurs around 14 days before the start of your period, according toACOG.
During this time, you might notice that youre constipated or even experiencediarrhea.
National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9572406/.
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