“Period Poops”

When it’s that time of the month, a change in bathroom habits, commonly known as “period poops,” is a normal occurrence. "It occurs because a fatty acid called prostaglandin, and prostaglandins relax smooth muscle," said Jill Hechtman, M.D., a board-certified OBGYN and medical director at OB Hospitalists of Florida, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. These hormone-like compounds help shed the uterine lining, which results in your period, but they also work similarly on the bowel, added Dr. Hechtman. Discomfort when pooping is common during your period. "Pain can occur secondary to the cramps from the uterus, but also from symptoms like constipation and diarrhea," explained Dr. Hechtman. "A menstrual cramp itself leads to a feeling of pressure in the pelvis, low back and buttocks, and constipation happens because of changes in your hormones and an increase in progesterone," she added.

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