Why women get diarrhea when they get their period: an expert explains

A nurse explains why women have diarrhea during menstruation (Taken from @enfermerojorgeangel)

He menstrual cycle It is a sequence of monthly changes that prepares the body for pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg through a process known as ovulation. In this way, hormonal changes occur that prepare the uterus for possible pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining is shed and expelled, which constitutes menstruation. And all of this usually causes pain, discomfort and many other side effects.

According to Mayo Clinicthe menstrual cycle varies significantly between different people. Menstrual bleeding may occur every 21 to 35 days and last between two and seven days. This duration may be longer during the first few years after the onset of menstruation, but tends to regularize over time.

But, the Nurse Jorge Angel has explained on her Tiktok account (@enfermerojorgeangel) a very interesting symptom that is unknown to many: having diarrhea during menstruation. In less than twelve hours, the video has gone viral and has 462,700 views.

Jorge Ángel is a nurse who currently works in the ICU and has a “desire to teach.” Thus, he takes advantage of his TikTok and Instagram accounts, with 5.9 million y 986,000 followers respectively, to disseminate their nursing knowledge and experience.

Jorge has explained one of the most common symptoms of menstruation, which for many has an unknown origin. According to the nurse: “A week before or during menstruation itself, some hormones increase, such as: progesterone”. This is a hormone involved in both the menstrual cycle and pregnancy and embryogenesis. Specifically, it causes the uterus to become thicker so that the egg, already fertilized, can adhere inside to grow a baby, as explained by Medline Plus.

Woman with menstrual pain

In addition, Jorge Ángel clarifies that this hormone “also causes the increase of muscle contractions which then lead to menstrual pains”. However, these do not stay only in the uterus, but spread “to the intestine”.

In the video, the nurse adds that, in addition to progesterone, there is another related hormone that increases during menstruation, prostaglandins. These are “substances that have been linked to an increase in intestinal motility,” the action of the digestive system responsible for moving food.

Jorge clarifies that “although it is annoying, having diarrhea during the menstrual period is something that comes within normal limits”, due to the increase in hormones. At the end of the video, he advises in the video captions avoid alcoholtobacco or caffeinated drinks, as these are elements that affect this issue as well as swelling and the regularity of cycles.

It also recommends staying hydratedwith water or teas. Health Partners suggests consuming cinnamon, lemon, dandelion and hibiscus teas for bloating; raspberry leaf, chamomile, thyme and oolong teas to relieve menstrual pain and cramps. ginger, mint and greenwhich can help with both aspects. Jorge also insists on eating cooked foods and avoiding fats.