Menstrual diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal symptom that can often be accompanied by lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. The duration and severity of diarrhea vary from person to person, but generally occur during any period or the entire period from 2~3 days before menstruation to the end of menstruation.
In most cases, menstrual diarrhea is not a cause for concern. It is generally associated with changes in estrogen and progesterone levels in menstruating women, as well as the secretion of prostaglandins.
During menstruation, an increase in estrogen may increase the sensitivity of intestinal peristalsis, leading to increased gastrointestinal motility and thus diarrhea.
In addition, prostaglandins are also secreted in large quantities during menstruation to help the uterus contract and promote blood vessel closure and hemostasis. In some women, the uterine contraction process will also affect the rectum located behind the uterus, which frequently stimulates the intestinal peristalsis to speed up, and then makes them feel like stool, and diarrhea occurs.
In addition to the above causes, dietary factors, psychiatric factors, and disease factors such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic enteritis may also cause menstrual diarrhea.
Under what circumstances do I need to go to the hospital in time? 👇
Menstrual diarrhea can be relieved by:
- Replenish hot water, easily digestible food
- Consume modifiers or foods containing probiotics in moderation
- Avoid eating raw, cold, spicy and other irritating foods
- Avoid staying up late and have a regular schedule
If menstrual diarrhea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or accompanied by bloody or watery stools, or unexplained fever and chills, it is also necessary to go to the hospital in time.
Regarding menstruation, we have sorted out more questions that everyone is concerned about in the "Lilac Doctor Mini Program", click the link below to view.
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Encyclopedia author
Liu Rui is an obstetrician and gynecologist
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Sun Yu is the deputy chief physician of the Department of Gynecology
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