Why am I constipated during menstruation - Medical portal: everything about human health, clinics, diseases, doctors

The physiology of the female body is characterized by changes in hormone levels that are associated with the menstrual cycle. In addition to menstrual bleeding, unwanted companions may occur. One of these is constipation before menstruation. This intestinal dysfunction causes discomfort to the woman, unsettles her, and interferes with her usual household chores and professional duties. The phenomenon is temporary, but its significance should not be underestimated, since it is far from harmless.

no bowel movements for more than two days;
feeling of fullness in the intestinal area;
bloating;
stomach ache;
lethargy, deterioration of health.

Causes

Monthly fluctuations in the level of hormones in the blood before the onset of menstruation provoke a malfunction of the vital systems of the female body. The consequence may be a violation of the intestinal evacuation function. This happens approximately seven days before menstruation and within two days after it begins.

Changes in hormone levels

An increase in progesterone production during PMS suppresses the tone of the intestinal muscles, and peristalsis decreases. As a result, feces have difficulty moving to the exit, and constipation occurs.

Increased appetite

Before menstruation, the content of the hormone estrogen in the body decreases. This causes an increase in appetite, which becomes difficult to control. Changed hormonal levels affect a woman’s behavioral reactions. Every woman is familiar with the uncontrollable desire to eat “something like that.” There are a lot of sweets, buns, fast food and other junk foods that contribute to constipation. Your weight may increase within a few days.

Decreased physical activity

The processes that occur in a woman’s body before the onset of menstruation can cause a feeling of lethargy. This entails a desire to “pity yourself.” Physical activity and intestinal evacuation function decrease - due to these factors, constipation occurs before the onset of menstruation.

Enlarged uterus

Before the release of blood, the body accumulates fluid, the walls of the uterus are saturated with blood, due to which it increases in size and puts pressure on the intestines. Part of the intestine is pinched, and the normal movement of feces forward is disrupted.

During menstruation, a natural elimination of everything accumulated by the uterus occurs. This manifests itself in the form of blood discharge from the vagina. After menstruation, the endometrium returns to normal.

Constipation, depending on the cause, is divided into two types: atonic and spastic. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Atonic constipation is a dysfunction of the intestine, in which its peristalsis decreases. Symptoms of atonic constipation may include a feeling of intestinal fullness, deterioration in the condition of the body as a whole, and loss of appetite. Symptoms of body intoxication are possible. Emptying occurs once every 2 days or less. In order for the process of defecation to occur, you have to push. Fecal masses have a dense structure and may contain bloody spots.

Spastic constipation is a consequence of increased intestinal muscle tone. The resulting spasms create obstacles to the movement of feces. A woman may complain of increased gas production and a feeling of fullness inside the abdomen. The symptoms of pain have the character of a spasm. There is a drop in body tone, the woman is constantly haunted by a feeling of fatigue.

What's happening

During PMS, progesterone levels rise, and during menstruation, hormonal levels sharply decrease, which causes intestinal spasms. Constipation during menstruation can be caused by the following physiological factors :

rejection of endometrial tissue at the beginning of the cycle, an increase in the size of the uterus, a rush of blood to the pelvic organs - all this increases pressure on the intestines;
decreased peristalsis due to changes in hormonal levels;
During the premenstrual period, fluid retention occurs in the body. With the onset of menstruation, the level of hormones drops, water leaves, sodium accumulates in the kidneys, which leads to swelling of the tissue around the uterus. A violation of the water-salt balance begins, which provokes drying of the stool, and it is difficult for them to move through the intestines.

Other common causes of stool retention include: changes in the diet and food habits of girls during menstruation, overeating , consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks . The psychological state of a woman during her critical days can also affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Problems of stool retention, bloating and flatulence during PMS and at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, caused by hormonal changes, are episodic. If constipation torments a woman not only during menstruation, but also on the remaining days of the cycle, then the cause, most likely, is not a change in hormonal levels, but pathological conditions of the body.

Risk factors

Sometimes a woman can independently provoke stool retention on menstrual days:

if before menstruation her diet included foods that could strengthen stool;
consumption of alcohol, unhealthy smoked foods, sweet carbonated drinks, fruits that increase gas formation (for example, grapes), fast food - all this reduces the muscle activity of the intestinal walls;
excessive drinking during PMS increases swelling and pressure on the intestines by the pelvic organs, the intestinal lumen narrows, so it is difficult for feces to pass;
problems with cycle frequency, hormonal imbalances, gynecological diseases that are left without attention and treatment develop into chronic or acute forms, which disrupts the metabolic process in the body;
Some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can worsen during menstruation and cause intestinal disorders or constipation.

What to do

To get rid of problems such as constipation during PMS and menstruation, you can turn to well-known medications. Doctors do not recommend using medications that stimulate the intestinal walls on your own; such medications should be prescribed by a doctor, as there is a risk of water balance disturbance.

The following laxatives can be used:

"Pikolaks" - these drops are not a direct irritant to the intestinal walls, they help to liquefy stool.
Suspensions with lactulose - such products increase the number of lactobacilli, which acidify the intestinal flora and stimulate its muscle activity.
Glycerin suppositories - act by softening stool, are not addictive, and are best used for occasional constipation.
Capsules with lactobacilli - these drugs need to be taken in courses to restore the intestinal microflora.
If on critical days a woman feels psychologically uneasy, then a week before the start of the cycle she can take soothing sedatives and herbal decoctions . This method helps fight the psychosomatic cause of constipation.

It is also useful during the period of hormonal changes in a woman’s body to use safe folk remedies that are not addictive:

with water helps very well in such cases ; it is best to introduce it into your daily diet for breakfast. Oatmeal works by increasing the volume of stool. When this grain enters the intestines daily, the organ begins to work like a clock, so problems with bowel movements do not arise.
Fiber, flax seeds, bran have a similar effect ; these products can be added to yoghurts, salads, etc.
A decoction of chamomile and dry oregano has a calming effect on the psyche and helps improve the motor activity of the intestinal muscles. Method of preparation: mix both herbs in equal parts, then add 2 tablespoons of the mixture to a heat-resistant bowl and pour 500 ml of boiling water, leave overnight. Take 100–150 ml after meals over the next day.
A mixture of aloe and honey has a beneficial effect on the digestive system , helping to add mucus to the stool, due to which it easily leaves the intestines. Method for preparing the product: mix 150 ml of aloe juice (it is advisable to immediately squeeze fresh from the leaf) and 40 g of honey until smooth, take 1 teaspoon at night.
Infusions help well : elderberry leaves, buckthorn, fennel.
Boiled beets act as a laxative. If you eat it without salt and sugar in the amount of 150 g per day, then the problem of stool retention should disappear.

Ways to solve the problem

Constipation associated with the menstrual cycle is a common occurrence that plagues many women. To help them, there are several ways to eliminate this disease, which can be used either individually or in combination.

It is advisable to normalize your food intake in advance. About a week before and during your period, it is recommended to increase control over your diet. Recommended Products:

Porridge on the water.
Fermented milk products - kefir, yogurt, yogurt.
Dried fruits.
Sea kale.
Fruits and vegetables.
Berries, berry drinks.
Vegetable oil.
Hibiscus tea.
Add flax seeds, bran, and seed husks to salads and yogurts.

Stool-fixing products are extremely undesirable for consumption, these include:

white bread, buns;
semolina, rice cereals;
potato;
pasta;
chocolate;
strong tea.

It is necessary to observe the drinking regime. In case of swelling, it is recommended to reduce water consumption at first. In the absence of edema, 1.5 liters of clean water per day will help cope with dehydration.

Physical activity

An active lifestyle will help normalize intestinal motility and reduce the risk of constipation. Swimming and walking in the fresh air can relieve the unpleasant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This type of exercise will bring pleasure and help improve your mood.

Medicines

The problem of irregular bowel movements can be solved with the help of medications. To eliminate spastic constipation before the onset of menstruation, antispasmodics are recommended that relax the smooth muscles of the intestinal walls. Pharmacies offer a large selection of such drugs:

Remedies for atonic intestinal dysfunction:

Rectal suppositories with glycerin thin stool. Recommended for occasional constipation.
Suspensions with lactulose increase the number of lactobacilli and increase muscle activity.
Laxatives of plant origin based on buckthorn bark, rhubarb, senna, fruit extracts. Despite the natural basis of such drugs, the duration of their use is limited, because does not exclude a negative effect on the intestinal wall.
Enemas and microenemas. To relieve constipation, it is not recommended to do an enema more than twice a day.

As a preventive measure to normalize the intestinal microflora and maintain its performance, you can use drugs containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Important! We must not forget that before using medications, you must carefully study the instructions and use them with caution. You should not abuse drugs, otherwise it can lead to even greater disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. If a woman is forced to use them monthly, she needs to consult a doctor.

Contacting the doctor

If constipation before menstruation is regular, then treatment should be carried out by a specialist. You cannot self-medicate if a malfunction of the intestines systematically disrupts the usual rhythm and way of life.

Initially, you need to see a therapist. It may be necessary to undergo appropriate tests to measure hormone levels and subsequent treatment from specialists - an endocrinologist or gynecologist.

ethnoscience

Folk remedies can come to the aid of a woman during premenstrual syndrome:

Stir 1 glass of kefir and 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil and drink before bed.
30 g honey and 150 ml. Mix aloe juice and take one teaspoon on an empty stomach in the morning. Store the product in the refrigerator.
A decoction of oregano and chamomile herbs has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and improves peristalsis. Place 2 tablespoons of herbal mixture in a thermos and pour 0.5 liters. boiling water, leave for 6 hours. Take 150 ml after meals.

Treating constipation at home, at home, recipes and methods

You can improve bowel movements using folk remedies:

1 Take half a glass of kefir before bed with the addition of 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil or 150 ml cabbage brine;

2 drink honey infusion in small sips throughout the day (1 tablespoon of honey is dissolved in 1 glass of warm water);

3 take 100 ml of a mixture of vegetable juices from beets, carrots, potatoes, cucumber three times a day;

4 drink an infusion of prunes on an empty stomach (5-6 berries are poured with boiling water in the evening and left overnight);

5 drink a glass of plum or apricot juice a day;

6 prepare a decoction from a collection of medicinal herbs (licorice, zoster, fennel, anise), drink 150 ml twice a day;

7 1 tsp. licorice root powder is stirred in 150 ml of warm water and drunk at night.

You can treat yourself to a healthy and tasty homemade dessert that will improve intestinal function and relieve constipation (not suitable for women if they have high blood sugar). In a blender you need to grind dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots, raisins, dates, figs), soak the mixture with liquid honey, add ground walnuts.

Premenstrual syndrome and the period of menstruation for every woman are full of unpleasant surprises not only from the genitourinary system, but also from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to other symptoms of malaise, digestive disorders and frequent constipation during menstruation greatly reduce the quality of life. Stool retention can be caused by various factors, which are important to know in order to eliminate this delicate problem.

Prevention

If the body does not get rid of fecal matter daily, then self-poisoning occurs. Dealing with an existing problem and neutralizing the consequences is more difficult than preventing it. Following simple preventive measures will help avoid gastrointestinal problems before and during menstruation:

Nutritional control from the moment of ovulation should be stricter.
Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
Maintaining moderate physical activity.
Preventing constipation using traditional medicine.
Taking one tablet of Drotaverine or analogues to prevent spasms of the gastrointestinal tract muscles.

Constipation during the premenstrual period is a functional, temporary disorder in the digestive system. But it is worth remembering that this is not a harmless deviation from the norm. Therefore, dear girls and women, do not ignore this delicate problem and take care of yourself!

Cyclical monthly changes in well-being are familiar to almost every woman. Before critical days, rarely does anyone have PMS, a condition before menstruation when there is a headache, irritability, and inability to concentrate. What women still suffer from on such days is constipation. Many people think that this disease is associated only with gastrointestinal diseases. This is not entirely true. Stool retention on the eve of menstrual periods occurs in most representatives of the fairer sex. Constipation that occurs before menstruation is associated with many reasons, one of which is a hormonal surge. Due to a decrease in hormones in the blood, the functioning of the reproductive and endocrine systems of the body changes. But menstruation and fluctuations in hormonal levels also affect other systems, for example:

nervous;
excretory;
digestive;
cardiovascular.

The result of this effect is all those unpleasant sensations and conditions that accompany women before the onset of menstruation. If everything that happens is inherent in the body by nature, is it necessary to fight it, and what can be done to reduce the manifestations of such discomfort?

Treatment of constipation during menstruation

If digestive disorders are episodic, there is no reason to panic. Usually everything returns to normal on its own after “critical” days, or can be solved with mild laxatives. If the rest of the time there are no such problems, you don’t need to contact a specialist. In such situations, simple rules for changing your diet and daily routine help a lot.

Features of the intestines

If there is no bowel movement for a long time, this will have a very bad effect on the body. Feces contain waste products, which, if left for a long time in warm, humid conditions, will begin to rot and decompose. The intestines are designed in such a way that certain substances can enter the bloodstream. If fecal decomposition products appear in the digestive tract, toxins will enter the bloodstream and poison the body.

To prevent intoxication of the body, bowel movements should be performed regularly. This is what gastrointestinal peristalsis is designed for. Its excitation is influenced by the nerve plexuses located in the intestinal walls. The digestive tract moves the digested masses to the exit, releasing useful substances into the blood along the way. Motor skills in a normal state in a healthy body work steadily, without acceleration or deceleration.

But why does this well-functioning mechanism fail before menstruation? Due to changes in hormonal levels and deterioration of the nervous system, peristalsis on such days slows down, the intestines become sluggish and relaxed. The blood, continuing to take liquid from the digestive tract, dehydrates the masses contained in it. Thus, bowel movement, the closer to menstruation, the more difficult it becomes.

Proper nutrition

In order to avoid recurrences of this condition, it is worth adopting dietary changes to maintain the achieved results. Constipation occurs if the body has a lack of fiber in the diet. It is not digested in the gastrointestinal tract and serves to improve the functioning (motility) of the intestines.

Fiber-rich foods:

Apricot.
Prunes, dried apricots, dried apples.
Beet.
Jerusalem artichoke roots.

It is useful to take fermented milk products (kefir, milk, cottage cheese, cheeses) to prevent the appearance of dysbiosis. It is worth eating a thin slice of lightly salted fish.

The main percentage of the diet (20%) should be for breakfast (avoid a heavy dinner). It is important to maintain a drinking regime (up to 2 liters of fluid per day).

It is not recommended to eat slimy cereals, fried, fatty (mayonnaise, white bread), and sweet foods. You should not take foods that increase gas formation.

Prohibited:

Eating rough (causes rectal bleeding), heavy food.
Very fast hand movements on the stomach.
Remove strong alcoholic drinks from your diet.

The above methods will help induce proper bowel movements, but in some cases first aid should be provided by a doctor if:

Severe acute pain (especially during bowel movements) is tormented.
There are bloody streaks in the stool (this indicates rectal bleeding), and a lot of mucus.
Severe constipation, unresponsive to laxatives.

If such symptoms appear, you need to urgently consult a doctor; in extreme cases, pain can be relieved with the help of an analgesic (not antispasmodic) action (Ketorol). You cannot get rid of such symptoms with enemas in order to let the doctor know about the full picture of the disease.

Main reasons

Before the critical days, the uterus prepares to reject tissue prepared in case of pregnancy. Since they are no longer needed, the body is going to get rid of excess substances, mucus, and destroyed eggs. Everything that needs to be cleansed is saturated with blood and washed out of the body during menstruation. Thus, before menstruation, the uterus accumulates a large amount of blood, which it takes from the bloodstream. This requires a lot of liquid. And her blood is taken from the intestines.

That is, the main reason why constipation occurs before menstruation is the accumulation of blood in the uterine cavity, and because of this, the removal of fluid from the digestive tract. In addition, the impact of fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels causes water-salt imbalance, swelling, and a decrease in blood circulating in the body.

An additional factor causing difficulty in the passage of masses through the large intestine is that the increased volume of the uterus puts pressure on the intestinal walls, reduces the lumen in it, and impairs motility.

Another problem associated with the lack of regular bowel movements is decreased tone and deterioration of peristalsis due to general intestinal lethargy.

In general, we can say that defecation delay is a consequence of such changes in the body:

Violation of water-salt metabolism.
Hormonal fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone and prostaglandin levels.
Suppression of the autonomic component of the nervous system.
Redistribution of fluid in tissue.
Mechanical obstacles in the form of a blood-filled uterus.
Containment of defecation.
Increasing the amount of food consumed at one time.
A large volume of water drunk at one time.
Reduced mobility of a woman due to the desire to relax and remain calm.

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation is caused by similar reasons. Then could menstruation be a factor provoking difficult bowel movements (its absence)? Of course, it is precisely the above processes that take place before critical days. But with the onset of menstruation, peristalsis and other systems return to normal, so such a problem cannot be considered a pathology.

Dependence of the gastrointestinal tract on the phase of the menstrual cycle

Let's consider what changes occur in a woman's condition and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract during different phases of the menstrual cycle:

Proliferative phase

A feature of this phase is a sharp increase in the amount of estrogen. An egg is formed in one of the ovaries - the future embryo.

Symptoms of the proliferative phase:

Nervous system disorder, headaches;
Urinary retention and associated swelling;
Unpleasant sensations in the stomach;
Bloating and constipation.

The reason for this unpleasant condition is that the water-salt metabolism changes and destabilizes. There is a redistribution of fluid towards peripheral tissues, because of this the feces become harder and their passage through the intestinal lumen becomes more difficult.

In addition, the state of the autonomic nervous system changes - and, thanks to its decompensation, the motility of the gastrointestinal tract changes dramatically. An enlarged uterus also slightly compresses the intestinal wall, causing reflex changes and disruptions.

Ovulation phase

In this phase, hormones are at their highest concentration, and luteinizing substance is formed in the pituitary gland. The main follicle ruptures and the egg begins its journey.

In this phase, the body’s condition improves slightly, and increased mood and sexual desire are observed. However, constipation in a girl during ovulation is also not uncommon.

Luteal phase

The final stage of the female menstrual cycle lasts a little more than a week (up to 11-12 days) and ends with bleeding. In place of the burst follicle, a corpus luteum is formed - a temporary organ, which is actually a sex gland and produces progesterone.

Thanks to the work of progesterone, the amount of which increases many times in the first 6 days, the thickness of the endometrium increases, the breasts become swollen and painful, and swelling may increase.

During this phase of the menstrual cycle, women especially often suffer from constipation, as the activity of the intestinal muscles sharply decreases. Progesterone is also to blame for this, since it relaxes the muscle tone of the hollow organs, preserving a possible embryo in the uterus, but at the same time slows down the motility of the intestinal wall.

Main symptoms

Most often, after ovulation, you can notice slight fluctuations in a woman’s well-being and her preferences. Many of the changes signal a possible delay in bowel movements. Its first signs are usually observed a week before menstruation. Having discovered the first symptoms, it is necessary to resort to preventive measures. To identify possible constipation before menstruation, you should pay attention to the following signals:

weight gain with normal diet and routine;
increased appetite;
sharply decreased appetite;
change in gastronomic preferences;
the desire to eat a lot of smoked, fatty, sour, rich, rich foods, with hot, spicy sauces;
the need for chocolate and strong coffee is growing;
drowsiness and lethargy appear;
a lot of water is consumed, which is drunk almost in one gulp;
a feeling of bloating is created;
sensitivity to the slightest irritation occurs;
tolerance towards others decreases, mood deteriorates;
there is a desire to cry, to feel sorry for oneself;
headache occurs.

Of course, stool retention that occurs due to menstruation is not too dangerous. After all, the return of hormones and nerves to a balanced state brings the body back to normal. But if there is no restoration of bowel movements, treatment will be required. If the body cannot cope on its own, and intestinal function does not recover for a long time, fecal matter will linger in the colon and rectum, stretching them, forming pockets. In them, excrement is collected and then turned into difficult-to-remove, almost stone-like formations. Therefore, bowel retention should not be allowed; it should be combated in every possible way.

For the smooth functioning of the digestive system, regular prevention of constipation before menstruation helps. If it was not possible to follow all the recommendations, then constipation during menstruation and on the eve of its onset can be eliminated by using traditional remedies and medications.

If fecal matter needs to be softened and liquefied, it is recommended to take Picolax drops. They do not speed up motility, do not strain peristalsis, and do not reduce the absorption of contents by the intestinal walls. Therefore, they are considered safer than other drugs. Glycerin rectal suppositories work similarly.

If the process of defecation still does not occur for a long time, you can switch to laxatives, the action of which is based on reducing absorption by the intestinal walls, as well as accelerating the work of peristalsis. The first thing you can try is magnesium preparation. An additional bonus after taking it will be a decrease in appetite, and the need to switch to a sharp reduction in the amount of food consumed. After taking magnesium, you should give up gastronomic excesses. The most reasonable thing in this case would be to give up unhealthy foods and go on a strict diet.

Senade, Duphalac and other drugs can be used as traditional laxatives. All these medications can be used only if they are recommended by your attending physicians, or if you have experience taking them in the past. It is better to take drugs that increase motility in case of decreased appetite, general lethargy and weakness of the body, since, most likely, constipation is atonic in nature. Among prokinetics, the most common is Motilium. It is advisable to combine laxatives with calcium supplements and probiotics such as Linex.

When irritability increases before menstruation, nerves begin to fray, and defecation is delayed, you need to help the intestinal walls relax, since, apparently, spastic constipation occurs. Taking the drug "Fitosed", infusions of herbs that have a calming effect, improves the condition of the nervous system, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Useful video

On the eve of a new menstrual cycle, a woman may experience such a well-known phenomenon as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For some, it is pronounced, while others practically do not notice any changes in their health.

So, headache, breast tenderness, bad mood, drowsiness and even constipation before menstruation are all symptoms of PMS. Within 1-2 days after the onset of planned bleeding, your health gradually improves.

Of all the symptoms of PMS, constipation is considered the most unpleasant, because the accumulation of feces leads to discomfort and flatulence. The reason for stool retention is a hormonal imbalance, which disrupts the functioning of the digestive system.

In addition, the nervous, reproductive, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems suffer. That is why a woman experiences a lot of negative feelings. Let's take a closer look at why this happens, because the menstrual cycle is a natural feature of the body, why does it cause so many problems? Let's start with how the intestines work.

Constipation before menstruation has obvious causes - the hormonal system is being rebuilt. And yet you need to help the intestinal tract to rid yourself of discomfort. If you do not empty it for a long time, food waste begins to decompose. As a result, self-poisoning of the body occurs, since toxins enter the blood from the intestines.

To avoid intoxication, you should ensure that bowel movements are regular. It is worth noting that for some the norm is stool once every two days, and for others it is 2 times a day. But for most women, the intestines are cleansed once a day.

Intestinal peristalsis, which is activated due to irritation of the nerve plexuses, is responsible for the movement of feces. Moving through the digestive tract to the exit, digested food releases useful substances into the circulatory system. Constipation during PMS means that intestinal motility is impaired.

The reason for this is relaxation of the smooth muscles of the intestines. Gradually, the stool becomes harder as the liquid is absorbed by the blood, passing through the walls. Emptying your bowels becomes even more difficult.

As you know, ovulation occurs soon after menstruation. If fertilization of the egg does not occur, then gradually the uterus prepares to reject the functional layer of the endometrium.

Blood discharge cleanses the uterus from the inside, washing away everything unnecessary. Therefore, the uterus requires a lot of blood, which it takes from the general bloodstream. As a result, the body needs fluid for this, and it is extracted from the intestines.

Here is the answer to the question - constipation before menstruation, why does this happen. Due to the fact that all the fluid enters the uterus, the stool hardens and is more difficult to get rid of. In addition, fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen disrupt the water-salt balance. Swelling may occur.

Increasing in size, the uterus presses on the intestinal walls. The lumen narrows, motility deteriorates, and therefore stool moves with difficulty.

The main reasons for stool retention:

Hormonal imbalance is a change in the levels of hormones such as prostaglandin, progesterone and estrogen.
Deterioration of metabolism, namely water and salt.
Disruption of the autonomic nervous system;
Direction of most of the fluid to the pelvic organs - the uterus;
Mechanical effect of the swollen uterus on the intestines;
Binge eating;
Drinking large amounts of water at once;
Decreased physical activity due to PMS symptoms.

In addition, if you regularly restrain bowel movements, then you will also be guaranteed constipation during menstruation and before it. As long as there are at least some reasons - external or internal - that disrupt the output of processed food, the situation will not change.

The processes listed above are often an integral part of the PMS. When the uterus finally begins to cleanse itself, contract and shrink, the hormonal levels change, and then intestinal motility returns to normal, as do other systems of the body.

PMS usually starts 2-10 days before the start of menstruation. For some, discomfort may begin immediately after ovulation. It all depends on the level of hormones. If you understand that constipation before your period is inevitable, try to take care of it in advance. Prevention will help you prevent the problem.

When you notice the following signs of PMS, it means your gastrointestinal tract will soon fail:

weight gain with the same amount of food consumed and with the same physical activity;
fluctuations in appetite: sometimes you really want to eat, sometimes you don’t want to eat at all;
the emergence of a craving for food with bright gastronomic shades - salty, fatty, sour, spicy, and so on;
the need for caffeine increases;
disturbance of general well-being, manifested in the desire to sleep and relax more;
thirst appears and a lot of water is drunk at one time;
feeling of bloating in the lower abdomen;
the mood constantly changes, everything around irritates;
I constantly want to cry;
suffer from headaches.

If you have constipation before your period, your doctor will tell you what to do about this situation, since you can’t cope on your own. Despite the fact that with the onset of menstruation, health improves and bowel function improves, the problem cannot be left to chance.

With prolonged retention of stool, the colon can stretch and pockets form in it, where fecal matter turns into hard, stone-like formations. This pathology will also be accompanied by pain.

Constipation before menstruation, the causes of which we discussed above, requires mandatory treatment. For starters, you can try changing your diet. Eat more fiber from fruits and vegetables. Avoid starchy foods for a while.

A drug such as Picolax will help soften excrement and also remove it from the body. The medicine does not affect peristalsis and motility, its effect does not in any way affect the absorption capacity of the intestine. Glycerin-based candles have a similar property.

If these measures do not help, you should resort to laxatives. They will speed up the work of the intestines, but at the same time they will prevent the absorption of nutrients by its walls. You can try medicinal herbs or Magnesia. After taking the drug, appetite decreases. During this period, it is better to eat something simple, without excesses.

The doctor can offer you well-known laxatives - Duphalac, Senade and the like. When you have a decreased appetite, drugs that enhance motility will help get rid of atony - it is because of this that a disruption in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract can occur. Such drugs are called prokinetics. One of the most famous is Motilium.

Laxatives remove important substances from the body, so it's best to supplement with calcium and probiotics. If you experience constipation during your period, tell your gastroenterologist. Then its cause is not PMS, but gastrointestinal pathology.

As already mentioned, before menstruation the stable functioning of the nervous system is disrupted, and if there are various stresses, then you are guaranteed spastic constipation. You can cope with it by taking sedative herbal remedies, for example, Phytosed.

It has already been mentioned in passing that nutrition before menstruation should be correct and regular. In principle, healthy, nutritious food always benefits everyone. Let's take a closer look at the foods that should be in your diet:

fresh or frozen vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs depending on the season;
eggs;
kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt and other fermented milk products;
lean meats and fish;
dried fruits and nuts;
whole grain cereals;
healthy vegetable oils, in particular flaxseed and olive.

Flaxseeds will help relieve constipation during PMS. They can be added to dishes or prepared decoctions and infusions.

A fairly simple way to induce bowel cleansing is cool water. You need to drink it slowly, in small sips, between meals. It is better according to this scheme: either an hour before a meal, or two hours after. During the hot season, this method is very convenient.

Rhubarb and prunes will help increase the amount of mucus, which helps stool move through the intestines. Birch buds and nettle infusion will improve intestinal motility. Herbs can be used as an enema.

How to get rid

To avoid problems with stool during menstruation, you need to focus on a reasonable and healthy lifestyle and reviewing your diet. The main thing to start with is the composition of the products consumed. You should limit:

pasta, semolina, white bread;
fatty, spicy, smoked, salty and sour foods and dishes;
canned food, concentrates and products containing food additives, vinegar, citric acid;
fast food and instant food;
rich, concentrated broths and soups;
cakes, pastries, buns, store-bought cookies and other sweet and rich products;
excess portions of chocolate and ice cream;
cabbage, legumes, foods that cause fermentation and gas formation;
everything that the body has difficulty digesting.

Welcome to the table:

greens, parsley, celery, dill;
light vegetables and fruits (it is useful to eat more cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, apples, carrots, beets);
eggs in reasonable quantities;
fermented milk products of good quality and low-fat;
boiled lean meat;
fish;
seaweed;
dried fruits, some nuts;
non-astringent berries;
oatmeal, buckwheat;
vegetable oil;
butter when cooking porridge;
decoctions and infusions of flax seeds, adding these seeds to dishes.

Any meal should contain a moderate or reduced amount of food. But you need to eat often.

Folk recipes come to the rescue in the fight against stool retention. You can cope with dehydration of the intestinal contents by drinking clean, cold water very slowly in small sips. One cup is enough between meals - 2 hours after and an hour before meals. Drink no faster than 1 sip per minute. This method will be especially effective in hot weather, in the summer.

To help the formation of mucus necessary to push fecal matter through the colon, it is useful to eat prunes, drink a decoction or compote of rhubarb. An infusion of nettle or birch buds improves peristalsis. If the situation does not improve, you can do a microenema.

If you have stool retention, you should not voluntarily prescribe extreme doses of pills.

What to do

It may take many months of recovery for intestinal motility to improve. Following a diet from time to time is not always sufficient to get rid of stool retention. Other areas of life also need to be improved:

walk more in the fresh air;
play your favorite sports;
prefer active recreation, dancing;
avoid stress;
give up alcohol and tobacco.

To help your stomach relax, it is useful to massage. Simple yoga exercises will also improve the tone of internal organs and help fecal matter pass out.

If defecation continues to be delayed after menstruation, this may be a symptom of colitis or other pathology in the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, self-medication can aggravate the woman’s condition. She needs to be examined by a number of specialists: an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, neurologist and others. The cause of the pathology may be hidden in the most unexpected place.

PMS symptoms

Constipation during or before menstruation is not a rare problem among girls. But it should be said that this is not the only unpleasant moment that ladies face. The process of “blood loss” itself is accompanied by pain and weakness.

But the period before menstruation, it is also called PMS (premenstrual syndrome), generally brings a lot of inconvenience, namely:

weight gain is observed, even with a normal diet;
bloating appears;
many girls have an increased appetite, even to the point of being hungry around the clock;
swelling appears;
there is constipation, less often diarrhea;
weakness increases;
girls become irritable, angry, others, on the contrary, become more sensitive, even whiny;
headaches may appear.

One of the main causes of constipation and diarrhea is the use of various medications.
.
To improve bowel function after taking medications, you need to drink a simple remedy
.

Doctors' opinion

Retention of fecal matter in the intestines associated with menstruation is not always harmless. Stalled bowel movements lead to the development of gastrointestinal diseases, intoxication of the body, and hemorrhoids. At the same time, a rapid transition from difficult stool to the rapid release of the contents of the lower intestines gives reason to suspect a serious lack or excess of hormones. In any case, you should not be afraid of delayed stool before menstruation. We must try to prevent it and prevent its development, so as not to pose a threat to health.

The so-called premenstrual syndrome includes many negative effects, which often have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. In addition to the most common symptoms such as headache, increased irritability, swelling and changes in blood pressure, many women are concerned about constipation before menstruation. What are the causes of disruption of the digestive tract and does it need to be treated?

Why is this happening?

The menstrual phase of the uterine cycle begins each month with a drop in hormones. The changes that the female body undergoes during menstruation cause intestinal spasm and stool retention. Such changes include:

Rejection of the endometrium, filling the uterus with blood clots and pressure of the enlarged organ on the intestines;
An increase in the blood level of prostaglandins that provoke spasms;
Hormonally caused decrease in intestinal motility;
Delayed excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys, leading to the development of edema of the periuterine tissue;
The exit of the liquid component of stool from the intestinal lumen.

They are caused by a decrease in estrogen levels, which is manifested by an increase in appetite and thirst.

Causes of constipation before menstruation

Immediately before the onset of menstruation, significant fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood occur. Actually, all clinical manifestations of PMS are associated with this factor. Hormonal changes entail a cascade of reactions in a woman’s body, which affect a number of systems not related to the reproductive system (excretory, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and so on).

The causes of constipation during menstruation are related precisely to the effect of hormones on the digestive system. Here's how a woman's sex hormones can indirectly affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract:

First of all, fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood lead to disruption of water-salt metabolism, a decrease in the volume of circulating blood, the outflow of fluid into the tissue and, as a result, to peripheral edema. This redistribution of fluid in the body leads, in turn, to the fact that the stool in the large intestine becomes dry, dehydrated, and with less mucus content.
The complex influence of nervous system lability on the autonomic component also plays an important role. Scientists have proven that the nerve plexuses (Meissner and Auerbach) in the walls of the intestinal tract of women have a decisive role in the activity of motility of the alimentary tract. Therefore, during premenstrual syndrome, excited vegetation can lead to a disorder of intestinal motility.
Increasing the size of the uterus is of great importance. Immediately before the onset of menstruation, the thickness of the endometrium increases several times, a lot of blood flows into the organ, as a result, it increases in volume. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on the intestinal walls, thereby, firstly, reducing its motility, and secondly, narrowing the intestinal lumen and making it difficult for the bolus to move through. All this often causes constipation and bloating before menstruation.

Obviously, digestive disorders associated with the menstrual cycle are temporary, functional in nature. At the same time, they have several causes and can cause significant inconvenience to the lady. Therefore, a woman should try to either cope with this problem herself or contact a specialist.

What is PMS

Premenstrual syndrome is a condition preceding menstruation, which can last for a woman from several days to a week and is a general reaction of the body to changes in hormonal levels.

PMS can be recognized by the presence of the following factors:

unmotivated emotional lability;
increased appetite;
an increase in fluid intake, while a decrease in urine output - the body is preparing for blood loss;
drowsiness, lethargy;
weight gain;
nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
bloating.

Symptoms of PMS may be more pronounced when menstruation is delayed for a long time.

The influence of the menstrual cycle on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the symptoms that accompany this condition will be discussed below.

Methods to combat the problem

If a woman has digestive problems just before the start of her menstrual cycle, there is no need to contact a specialized specialist. It is quite possible to manage it on your own if you follow some rules and recommendations. However, it is not always possible to do without the help of a doctor. To determine what to do, you need to ask yourself the question: do you experience constipation before your period every cycle and does treatment help? If the disorders are episodic and easily relieved with medications, then symptom relief can be achieved by following a daily routine and diet. The following recommendations help:

Eat small meals, at least 4-5 times a day; it is advisable that the interval between meals does not exceed 3 hours.
Eliminate spicy, smoked, salty foods, marinades, alcohol, and coffee from your diet. Try to ensure that carbohydrates come primarily in the form of fiber and complex fibers instead of sugars.
You should not limit yourself in fluid intake, but instead of rich teas, compotes or mineral water, it is better to drink plain water. This will make it less likely that the fluid will go into the tissue and cause the formation of edema.
If possible, avoid stress, sleep at least 8 hours a day and spend more time in the fresh air. Walking or low-intensity sports have worked well.

If following these recommendations does not help get rid of dyspepsia, you can try to be treated with folk remedies. A decoction of rhubarb or an infusion of birch buds helps well. In addition, nettle also has a laxative effect. A decoction of its leaves should be taken 2 teaspoons 3 times a day. It additionally stimulates appetite and peristalsis.

From traditional medicine, it is recommended to use Picolax drops or glycerin suppositories. They do not directly affect the digestive tract and do not stimulate the intestines, but they thin the stool and increase the amount of intestinal mucus, which makes defecation easier.

Due to the fact that in recent years many studies have been carried out and the direct influence of the emotional state on the autonomic nerve nodes of the intestines has been proven (studies were conducted in women), you can take sedatives, for example, “Fitosed” or soothing herbal infusions. This will reduce the psycho-somatic component and allow the intestines to function normally. It is especially important to maintain the tone of the nervous system before menstruation, when hormonal changes in the blood can cause negative effects.

We recommend reading the article about hemorrhoids during menstruation. From it you will learn about the causes of the disease and its symptoms, why hemorrhoids worsen on critical days, how to alleviate the condition and whether the pathology can be cured.

To summarize, it becomes clear why constipation before menstruation can be difficult to cure. This condition has many causes and is caused by hormonal changes. But interfering with your hormonal system is dangerous and fraught with consequences. Therefore, the optimal solution would be to relieve unpleasant symptoms with folk remedies or medications. And if such therapy does not help, or the signs of dyspepsia worsen, you should contact a gastroenterologist or gynecologist.

If you are constipated, do not push too hard, but rather do an enema or use a suppository designed to facilitate bowel movements.

Causes of constipation during menopause in women. Changes in the functioning of the body inherent in menopause.

But menstruation is not a disease. And the pills in this case can provoke another, no less unpleasant extreme - constipation.

A woman feels worse because she is forced to carry double weight; she may have problems with urination and constipation.

Constipation should not be allowed; it forces the abdominal muscles to exert a lot of tension, which is now strictly prohibited.

During this period, there is rarely a good appetite, constipation is possible, which is dealt with with an enema.

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a condition that is familiar to almost every woman. It manifests itself several days before the onset of menstruation with various symptoms, which include disturbances in the digestive tract, difficulty defecating and constipation. As a rule, this problem does not entail serious health consequences, but it can significantly impair the quality of life. For what reason do women experience constipation during PMS and how to quickly get rid of the problem?

Constipation before menstruation

Why does constipation occur before menstruation and how to get rid of it?

The so-called premenstrual syndrome includes many negative effects, which often have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life.

In addition to the most common symptoms such as headache, increased irritability, swelling and changes in blood pressure, many women are concerned about constipation before menstruation.

What are the causes of disruption of the digestive tract and does it need to be treated?

Causes of constipation before menstruation

Hormonal changes entail a cascade of reactions in a woman’s body, which affect a number of systems not related to the reproductive system (excretory, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and so on).

First of all, fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood lead to disruption of water-salt metabolism, a decrease in the volume of circulating blood, the outflow of fluid into the tissue and, as a result, to peripheral edema. This redistribution of fluid in the body leads, in turn, to the fact that the stool in the large intestine becomes dry, dehydrated, and with less mucus content.
The complex influence of nervous system lability on the autonomic component also plays an important role. Scientists have proven that the nerve plexuses (Meissner and Auerbach) in the walls of the intestinal tract of women have a decisive role in the activity of motility of the alimentary tract. Therefore, during premenstrual syndrome, excited vegetation can lead to a disorder of intestinal motility.
Increasing the size of the uterus is of great importance. Immediately before the onset of menstruation, the thickness of the endometrium increases several times, a lot of blood flows into the organ, as a result, it increases in volume. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on the intestinal walls, thereby, firstly, reducing its motility, and secondly, narrowing the intestinal lumen and making it difficult for the bolus to move through. All this often causes constipation and bloating before menstruation.

Methods to combat the problem

To determine what to do, you need to ask yourself the question: do you experience constipation before your period every cycle and does treatment help? If the disorders are episodic and easily relieved with medications, then symptom relief can be achieved by following a daily routine and diet.

The following recommendations help:

Eat small meals, at least 4-5 times a day; it is advisable that the interval between meals does not exceed 3 hours.
Eliminate spicy, smoked, salty foods, marinades, alcohol, and coffee from your diet. Try to ensure that carbohydrates come primarily in the form of fiber and complex fibers instead of sugars.
You should not limit yourself in fluid intake, but instead of rich teas, compotes or mineral water, it is better to drink plain water. This will make it less likely that the fluid will go into the tissue and cause the formation of edema.
If possible, avoid stress, sleep at least 8 hours a day and spend more time in the fresh air. Walking or low-intensity sports have worked well.

Therefore, the optimal solution would be to relieve unpleasant symptoms with folk remedies or medications. And if such therapy does not help, or the signs of dyspepsia worsen, you should contact a gastroenterologist or gynecologist.

Source: https://ProMesyachnye.ru/zapor-pered-mesyachnymi/

Interaction between hormones and the gastrointestinal tract

Nature has decreed that in a woman’s body (from the youngest girl to the elderly) one of the most important regulatory systems is the reproductive one. The functioning of organs associated with childbirth is directly determined by the amount and timeliness of hormones released.

From the age of 13-15, the rhythm of hormone production gradually improves. When a regular and stable menstrual cycle is established, a revolution literally occurs in a girl’s body, and the work of all systems begins to be regulated hormonally.

Moreover, we are talking not only about typical sex hormones, but also about others, no less important, produced in the thyroid gland, pituitary gland and even in the intestines.

Hormones of the gastrointestinal tract are directly responsible for all processes of promotion and digestion of food, and quite a lot of them are produced.

It is there that the main amount of serotonin (antidepressant hormone) is produced, which has a huge impact not only on the woman’s psyche, but also on the motility of the digestive organs.

However, all regulation of the work of endocrine organs occurs centrally and the conductor is the pituitary gland. It is from this “conductor’s console” that impulses go to all internal secretion centers and they communicate with each other.

Associated symptoms

Constipation is defined as retention of stool for at least 48 hours. The consistency of stool is very hard and dehydrated, so it is difficult to move through the rectum.

Already from the first day the woman begins to experience:

Loss of appetite;
Bloating;
Feeling of fullness in the stomach;
Flatulence;
Painful spasms;
Fatigue;
Lethargy;
Headache;
Emotional lability.

If a woman watches her weight, she may find that she has gained two or three kilograms.

Not all of these signs appear simultaneously with the onset of menstruation. There are two types of constipation during menstruation, each of which is characterized by a specific set of symptoms. With atonic, there is a deterioration in mood, a feeling of bloating, and fullness of the stomach. With spasticity, the main complaints are associated with increased gas formation, pain in the intestines, rumbling, and weakness.

Female sex hormones and their work during life cycle changes

The main organ of a woman's reproductive system is the ovaries. These are the gonads, located in pairs and forming germ cells. The ovary contains two glands - the corpus luteum (a temporary gland that produces the hormones progesterone and relaxin) and the follicle. The main endocrine function of the ovaries is the production of estrogens (estradiol).

Characteristics of the main sex hormones

Estradiol. Estradiol is the hormone that determines all the primary and secondary sexual characteristics of the female body, participates in the formation of the figure, a certain skeletal structure, growth, and deposition of adipose tissue.
Progesterone.
It can be considered that it is an estrogen antagonist, but a change in its balance in the “hormonal cocktail” leads to numerous malfunctions in the functioning of various systems, initially to functional and then to morphological disorders of organs.

The influence of progesterone on metabolic processes is especially great - edema, weight gain, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract - directly or indirectly, through a chain of hormonal connections, can be associated with this substance.

Nutritional features and the need for diet

Diet during constipation is an important and necessary measure to quickly restore the body. Regulating your diet and eating the right foods will help you have easier bowel movements.

Recommended foods for a diet for constipation are:

baked goods made from wholemeal flour;
vegetable soup;
meat and fish casseroles;
seafood;
wheat porridge;
buckwheat;
oatmeal;
greens - parsley, dill, celery;
vegetables – carrots, beets, fresh and pickled cabbage, pumpkin;
fruits and dried fruits - plums, apricots, melon, figs, prunes, raisins;
fermented milk and dairy products - milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, sour cream;
berries – rowan, viburnum, blueberry, gooseberry;
eggs;
vegetable oil;
herbal teas, compotes;
jam, honey;
vegetable vinaigrette.

Dependence of the gastrointestinal tract on the phase of the menstrual cycle

Let's consider what changes occur in a woman's condition and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract during different phases of the menstrual cycle:

Why is there constipation before menstruation?

During the period before menstrual bleeding, serious changes occur in the female body under the influence of fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

Hormonal changes affect not only the reproductive, but also the digestive, autonomic and cardiovascular systems, which disrupts their functioning and causes various unpleasant manifestations, one of which is constipation.

Changes in the water-salt balance contribute to a decrease in the volume of circulating blood, the accumulation of fluid in the tissues and the appearance of edema, as a result of which water is not retained in the intestinal walls, and the feces become denser and dryer, which makes going to the toilet more difficult.

During menstruation, serious hormonal changes occur in the body.

Prolapse of hemorrhoids

For reference: functional constipation before menstruation differs from gastrointestinal diseases in that they are temporary in nature - they develop a few days before bleeding and go away on their own after it ends.

Constipation before menstruation

Causes of bloating

Physiological changes in the female body always lead to a distended abdomen before menstruation. Let's talk about the most common reasons for this phenomenon.

Hormonal changes

Bloating during menstruation is associated with hormonal changes. During the monthly cycle, a woman more than once encounters hormonal changes that provoke bodily edema and swelling of the stomach.

Hormones such as progesterone and estrogen take an active part in preparing the body for pregnancy. An enlarged abdomen may be due to blood flow to the pelvic organs during ovulation. When the endometrium is enriched with oxygen, the uterus softens and then swells. The stomach muscles react accordingly.

Hormonal changes are also associated with an increase in the amount of progesterone during the premenstrual period. Without it, the egg cannot be fertilized. It affects the process of softening and increasing the size of the uterus, which provokes discomfort and flatulence.

Pregnancy

If your period is late or if you have bloating, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. The expectant mother is often bloated, she regularly experiences dizziness, morning and evening nausea. She also experiences flatulence and swelling.

Main symptoms

Constipation is said to occur when there is no normal bowel movement for more than 48 hours. Constipation before menstruation can be atonic or spastic, and each form has characteristic symptoms. The atonic form of the pathology is accompanied by bloating, a feeling of intestinal fullness and a deterioration in general well-being. Manifestations of spastic constipation are pain in the intestines, rumbling, flatulence, lethargy and weakness.

How does constipation manifest before menstruation?

In addition to abdominal discomfort, many women experience the following symptoms during the premenstrual period:

increase in body weight by 2-3 kg;
sudden mood swings, tearfulness and irritability;
headache;
constant thirst;
lethargy, drowsiness, decreased performance.

Constipation and other symptoms of dysfunction that occur before your period do not pose a health risk if bowel function returns to normal after the hormonal storm subsides. In cases where the pathology becomes permanent, you should consult a specialist and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis - constant delays in defecation can cause intoxication of the body and other unpleasant consequences.

Attention: you can distinguish spastic constipation from atonic constipation with the help of antispasmodic drugs (No-shpa, Drotaverine) - in the spastic form of the pathology, after taking the pills, the symptoms disappear, but the atonic form does not respond to such therapy.

Is there a relationship between the menstrual cycle and constipation?

The problem of constipation has become more and more common lately. Moreover, this intestinal dysfunction is more common in women than in men. Previously, it was believed that constipation was more common in women of pre-retirement and retirement age, but now young women also suffer from this unpleasant condition and even young girls are forced to admit that they have constipation during menstruation. And, unfortunately, it happens that even with a healthy lifestyle and sufficient physical activity, constipation before menstruation still overtakes a woman. The causes of constipation during menstruation are related to the work of the internal secretion organs - hormonal regulation of all organs and systems, and especially the reproductive sphere.

How to eliminate constipation before menstruation?

If constipation before menstruation causes serious discomfort, symptoms can be eliminated with the help of medications or folk remedies, as well as eating right, following a daily routine and engaging in light physical activity.

Treating constipation before menstruation

General recommendations

Most often, digestive disorders that develop due to hormonal changes in the body can be eliminated by following simple rules and recommendations.

You need to eat regularly, in small portions, and the interval between meals should not exceed 3 hours. The diet should include fermented milk products, fiber (fruits and vegetables), rye bread, dried fruits, drink as much liquid as possible, and preference is best given to still mineral water, green tea, homemade compotes and fruit drinks. It is better to avoid spicy, smoked and pickled foods, baked goods and chocolate, or at least limit their consumption.

Eat properly and sparingly

A warm bath will help relieve stress

Important: if constipation is accompanied by a delay in menstruation, and a woman has regular sex life, it is necessary to exclude pregnancy - disturbances in the digestive tract are sometimes one of the first signs of conception.

Drug treatment

You can quickly eliminate constipation and ease bowel movements through drug therapy - pharmacies offer a wide range of laxatives, each of which has its own effects, side effects and contraindications.

Table. Categories of laxatives.

Laxatives are available in the form of tablets, drops or suppositories, and microenemas belong to a separate category. It is best to use the drugs before bed - most of them act for 6-12 hours, and the effect will be noticeable in the morning.

Attention: you can use laxatives only in isolated cases - many of them are addictive and can cause serious complications if taken uncontrolled.

Cleansing enemas

An enema is the simplest, most effective and inexpensive way to empty the intestines and make bowel movements easier. The procedure can be carried out in isolated cases - no more than 2 times a month, otherwise the intestinal microflora may be disrupted and the functioning of the digestive system will worsen. For an enema, you need an Esmarch mug or a small pear, warm water or a water-salt solution (a tablespoon of salt per liter of water) - you can also use herbal decoctions and infusions.

An enema is given in isolated cases

The liquid should be poured into a container, lubricate the tip of the bulb or hose with Vaseline, then lie on your right side, bend your legs under you and insert the tip into the anus 5-7 cm. During the procedure, you should breathe deeply and calmly - this will help avoid unpleasant sensations when water begins to enter the intestines. After 10-15 minutes, the enema will begin to work and bowel movement will occur.

Folk remedies

To eliminate constipation, you can use folk remedies that are no less effective than pharmaceutical drugs, but have fewer contraindications and do not harm health. The simplest ways to alleviate the condition are to drink a glass of warm water, kefir or carrot juice on an empty stomach, eat a few baked apples or a boiled beet salad with vegetable oil.

Treatment of constipation with folk remedies

For prolonged constipation, you can take 30 g of castor (olive, sea buckthorn) oil - the first effect will appear within 2-6 hours after administration, and using this remedy for three days will normalize bowel movements. In addition, there are several proven recipes against constipation using medicinal plants and other components that have a laxative effect.

Flax seeds

Important: folk recipes for constipation should be used with caution in diseases of the digestive tract, especially with ulcerative lesions of the stomach and intestines, as they can cause deterioration of the condition and even bleeding.

Therapy methods

You can prevent the development of constipation and accompanying symptoms with simple recommendations for adjusting your diet. If this does not help, you need to consult a doctor who may prescribe a course of treatment. Non-traditional recipes aimed at improving peristalsis cope well with the problem, but are contraindicated in the presence of chronic diseases.

Diet therapy

In order not to become a hostage to the situation and to eliminate the likelihood of developing constipation before, during and after menstruation, it is extremely important to adjust your diet. The following principles apply:

Eat fractionally, but in small portions, which allows you to fully digest food and stimulate intestinal motility.
Drink enough water, but do not drink food.
Eliminate foods that strengthen you and add foods with a laxative effect to your diet.

It is recommended to limit the consumption of the following products:

bread and any bakery yeast products made from white flour;
rice groats, pearl barley and semolina;
chocolate and other sweets;
potatoes and pasta.

The diet is formed from such healthy products as:

Fruits and berries: bananas, grapes, apples, pears, plums, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries.
Fresh vegetables: beets, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkin, carrots.
Oatmeal and buckwheat porridge cooked in water with minimal addition of salt.
Fermented milk products contain beneficial bacteria that regulate intestinal function.

If constipation is difficult to correct, doctors recommend consuming the following combinations of foods:

Kefir + bran + chopped prunes – has a mild laxative effect.
Sea kale salad has valuable nutrients.
Vegetable salads seasoned with olive, flaxseed or sesame oil.

Pain and discomfort most often appear after eating smoked, salted, pickled and spicy foods. Their use at the end of the cycle should be limited. Gas contamination and a feeling of fullness are relieved by reducing food consumption, which, when digested, is accompanied by the release of a large number of gas bubbles: cabbage, pears, grapes.

Drug treatment

If following all nutritional recommendations does not bring the desired results, you should consult a specialist. The following groups of medications may be prescribed:

Laxatives (in the form of drops, chewable tablets) - contain lactulose, which gently cleanses the intestines and natural ingredients that promote quick and painless bowel movements.
Antispasmodics – relieve spastic pain that accompanies constipation.

Preventing constipation before menstruation

To prevent constipation during the premenstrual period, women are advised to eat right, spend time in the fresh air as often as possible, and engage in light physical activity. Before menstruation, spicy, salty and smoked foods should be excluded from the diet, and chocolate, cakes and other sweets should be replaced with honey and dried fruits. The amount of fluid consumed should be increased to 1.5-2 liters per day, with preference given to weak tea, non-carbonated mineral water and natural juices. In addition, it is necessary to give up alcohol and tobacco, reduce stress if possible and normalize your daily routine.

How to avoid constipation before your period

If constipation does not go away within 2-3 days after menstruation, but becomes chronic, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Difficulty defecating can be a manifestation of serious diseases of the digestive tract, and timely diagnosis and treatment will help avoid unpleasant health consequences.

Treatment

Constipation during menstruation is a condition that can be treated, like all other types of stool retention. In the intestine, with a long absence of bowel movements, a large amount of toxins accumulates, which are absorbed into the blood through its wall. This pathological process leads to poisoning of the body and can manifest itself as weakness, decreased performance, lack of appetite, and nausea.

Therapy of the pathological process usually includes the following methods:

drug therapy (the use of drugs that have a laxative, prokinetic effect);
non-drug treatment methods (diet, folk remedies, abdominal massage).

Drug therapy

Laxatives can be presented in the form of:

drugs for oral administration (Dufalak, Regulax, magnesium sulfate, Guttalax, Bisacodyl);
rectal suppositories (glycerin sea buckthorn, gas-forming, irritating);
microenemas (“Microlax”, “Norgalax”);
vegetable oils (olive, sunflower, sea buckthorn, castor).

In addition, agents with a prokinetic effect (increasing peristalsis) on the intestines (Motilium) and reducing gas formation (Espumizan) have a good effect on constipation.

To prevent the development of constipation, doctors recommend taking probiotics - drugs containing beneficial intestinal microflora.

Non-drug treatments

The main non-drug treatment for constipation is diet. It should include the following rules:

increasing the amount of fluid consumed per day (drink regularly up to 2 liters of water);
eat in small portions at least 4-5 times a day;
exclude fried, fatty, smoked foods, as well as chocolate and flour culinary products;
increase the consumption of foods that soften stool (dried apricots, prunes, beets, peaches, kiwi, etc.);
a large number of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs;
Fermented milk products are recommended for consumption; they contain a large number of lactobacilli necessary for normal digestion.

Among the folk methods of combating constipation, a decoction of chamomile is recommended. It not only helps soften stool, but also has a sedative effect on a woman during PMS.

Performing abdominal massage is an effective technique to combat constipation. Please note that massaging movements should only be made clockwise.

Bloating before your period is one of the most common symptoms of PMS. Women also often experience mood changes, irritability for no reason, and other signs of hormonal changes. But this is not a cause for concern, but a normal phenomenon.