Ever wondered why your stomach suddenly feels off around your period? More bloating, weird poops, random hunger spikes, you’re not imagining it. Your gut and your hormones are in conversation during that time of the month. 

From surprise bathroom visits to feeling like you swallowed a balloon, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Let’s talk about why your period can mess with your gut, what’s going on, and how to ride it out with a little more ease.

Why Is My Stomach Acting Up During My Period?

Hormones are the ultimate multitaskers. While their main gig during your cycle is managing things like ovulation and the uterine lining, they don’t stop there. These chemical messengers travel throughout your body, yes, including your digestive system.

The main players? Oestrogen and progesterone. These two fluctuate throughout your cycle, but right before and during your period, things get especially interesting. Oestrogen drops, progesterone takes a dip too, and your body starts producing more prostaglandins - compounds that help the uterus contract so it can shed the lining.

Sounds helpful, right? Sure. But prostaglandins don’t always stay in their lane. When they start circulating a bit too freely, they can affect nearby muscles, including the ones in your gut. This is why some people experience cramping, loose stools, or even nausea when their period hits.

So yeah, can your period affect your digestive system? Absolutely. And now you know why.

Can It Really Cause Diarrhoea Though?

In a word: yes. If you've ever had to make a mad dash to the bathroom on day one or two of your cycle, prostaglandins are probably to blame. They can trigger your intestinal muscles to contract more often, which speeds things up a little (or a lot).

While not everyone deals with it, for those who do, it’s surprisingly common and totally normal.

On the flip side, some people feel more constipated before their period. That’s often due to progesterone, which can slow digestion down when it’s at its peak. Your gut’s response to hormones is kind of like a mood swing, it might not be the same every month, but it’s definitely there.

Bloating, Gas, and That “Ugh” Feeling

Aside from running to the bathroom (or not going at all), bloating is another big one. You could eat the same thing you always do, drink tons of water, and still feel like your jeans betrayed you.

Hormonal shifts, especially lower progesterone, can cause your body to retain more water and salt. At the same time, changes in digestion speed can mess with how food moves through your system. The result? Bloating, gassiness, and just feeling uncomfortable in your own skin.

That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It just means your body is reacting to what it’s going through.

The Link Between Hormones and Gut Health

It’s wild how connected everything is, right? The relationship between hormones and gut health is something researchers are still exploring, but we already know that the gut has its own little universe going on, complete with trillions of bacteria (aka the microbiome) that influence digestion, immunity, and even mood.

When your hormone levels shift, they can also shift the balance of bacteria in your gut. That might mean more sensitivity to certain foods, changes in appetite, or even feeling more sluggish overall. If you’ve ever felt totally fine one week and completely out of sorts the next, your gut might be feeling those hormonal waves just as much as your brain or skin does.

So.. What Can You Do About It?

Let’s be real: you can’t stop your hormones from doing their thing, but you can support your gut through the ups and downs. Here are a few small things that might help:

• Stay hydrated: Water can help keep digestion moving and reduce bloating.
• Eat fiber, but balance it: Too much can make things worse, but skipping it can slow things down. Think fruits, veggies, oats, and chia seeds.
• Cut back on super salty or processed foods: These can add to the bloated feeling.
• Move your body (gently): Walking, stretching, or light yoga can help reduce cramps and get your gut moving.
• Listen to your cravings, but check in with how foods make you feel: It’s okay to eat the chocolate or the fries. Just notice how different things affect your body, especially during your cycle.

And most importantly, go easy on yourself. If your gut is out of sync during your period, it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. It just means your body is doing a lot right now and asking for a little extra care.

Bottom Line

So, can your period affect your digestive system? Definitely. Hormones play a major role in how your gut functions, and the changes that come with your cycle are valid, even when they’re frustrating.

Whether you’re dealing with bloating, cramping, or sudden bathroom runs, know that you’re not alone. Tuning into these patterns and learning what works for your body is one of the best ways to navigate it all with a little more confidence and a lot more compassion.

Your gut is talking. And when your hormones are in charge, it’s worth listening.

Love, Libra x 

Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.