Menstral cramps + pooping

I know it is common for women to experience diarrhea either leading up to or during their period and most cite it being from hormonal issues. I'm wondering if this is the case for you? For me I'm pretty sure it's not the hormones but the CRAMPS!!! I don't think my brain can differentiate period cramps from got to poop cramps! Some months my cramps are very minimal and on these months I don't experience the excessive pooping as a result of my period. However, on months when the cramps are horrible I poop like crazy. I know it's the actual pain from the cramps because I used to take Advil when the cramps were starting and I wouldn't have the poops from the cramps. Now that I can't take Advil I suffer through the cramps au natural and suffer from the craps as a side effect of the pain. I guess I have two questions: 1) do you get the craps from cramps and 2) what do you take for cramps(since we are not supposed to take Advil)

I think the cramps are bowel contractions that result from prostaglandins in your pelvis. Your period or your ovaries produce prostaglandins that are irritating to the bowel. NSAIDs reduce prostaglandins, that's why they reduce period cramps.

And yes, your contracting bowel will push out more stool.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/diarrhea-and-your-period.aspx

I use Tylenol for my period cramps...I don't tend to get cramps from my IBD but I have noticed (now that my IBD is in clinical remission) I get mild cramping out of the blue with my IBS and yes with my periods it does suck so I use Tylenol or mj because either one of them works for me. My period cramps are/have always been worse than any gut related cramps though, I'm just glad I don't always get period cramps....my body is so screwed up.

There is definitely a connection between hormones, period, period cramps, and increase bowel/ UC issues. I struggle with this every month. For many years I was on a bc where I only had my period 4 times a year, but then developed a blood clot due to the bc and was taken off it. Ever since have been struggling with finding a good bc (prog only) that would keep hormones in check and thus less UC issues around period. Have been on Implanon but doesn't seem to be doing the trick. Wish I could go back on the bc I was on for years that helped, but no dr will take that chance again. And GI dr wouldn't hear me out on this connection, his response- "You'll have to discuss that with your GYNO Dr" I wish more dr had open minds and learned more connections to other areas/fields etc.

Post Edited (SurferChick) : 12/4/2014 3:00:06 PM (GMT-7)

It's not the pain its the prostaglandins. Ibuprofen counteracts prostaglandins, which is why you have fewer cramps when you take it. Prostaglandins cause bowel contractions, which makes you poop more. Your menstrual cycle releases prostaglandins into the pelvis, thus causing cramps and more frequent bowel movements. Hormonal changes control your menstrual cycle. Thus we come full circle.

I can't believe I posted the same thing on one thread. lazy me.

I want to respond to mom2boys - women get constipated before their period because progesterone is high. Progesterone is a long muscle relaxer and slows bowel function. You were probably constipated when pregnant too - same deal. I use to really value those first day cramps because I knew it would clear my bowel after having been constipated for a few days, LOL.