Constipation before menstruation: causes and what to do

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

Signs of constipation:

• no bowel movement for more than two days;
• a feeling of fullness in the intestinal region;
• bloating;
• stomach ache;
• lethargy, deterioration in well-being.

Causes of occurrence

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 evacuation function of the intestine. This happens about seven days before menstruation and within two days after their onset.

Changes in hormone levels

An increase in progesterone production in PMS suppresses intestinal muscle tone, and peristalsis decreases. As a result, stool is difficult to move to the exit, 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. The changed hormonal background affects the behavioral responses of a woman. Every woman is familiar with the unbridled desire to eat "something like that." A lot of sweets, buns, fast food and other junk food are used that contribute to the formation of constipation. Weight may increase in a few days.

Decreased physical activity

The processes occurring in a woman's body before the onset of menstruation can cause a feeling of lethargy. This entails a desire to "feel sorry for yourself." Physical activity and evacuation function of the intestine decrease - due to these factors, constipation occurs before the onset of menstruation.

Enlargement of the 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 presses on the intestines. Part of the intestine is pinched, the normal movement of feces forward is disrupted.

With menstruation, there is a natural disposal of everything accumulated by the uterus. This manifests itself as a discharge of blood from the vagina. After menstruation, the endometrium returns to normal.

Views

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 - intestinal dysfunction, in which its peristalsis decreases. Symptoms of atonic constipation can be a feeling of fullness in the intestines, a 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 frequently. For the process of defecation to occur, you have to push. Fecal masses have a dense structure; bloody blotches may be present in them.

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, a feeling of fullness inside the abdomen. The symptomatology of pain has the character of a spasm. There is a drop in the tone of the body, the woman is constantly haunted by a feeling of fatigue.

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 ailment, which can be used both individually and in combination.

Diet

It is advisable to normalize the food intake in advance. About a week before and during menstruation, it is recommended to tighten control over the diet. Recommended products:

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

Stool-strengthening products extremely undesirable for use, these include:

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

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

Physical activity

An active lifestyle will help normalize bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation. Swimming and hiking in the fresh air can relieve the unpleasant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This type of load will bring pleasure and help to improve your mood.

Medicines

The problem of irregular bowel movements can be solved with medication. To eliminate constipation of a spastic nature before the onset of menstruation, antispasmodics are recommended, relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestinal walls. Pharmacies offer a wide range of such drugs:

• No-shpa.
• Drotaverinum.
• Papazol.
• Duspatalin.
• Niaspam.
• Neobutin.

Remedies for atonic intestinal dysfunction:

• Rectal suppositories with glycerin liquefy feces. Recommended for occasional constipation.
• Suspensions with lactulose increase the number of lactobacilli, increase muscle activity.
• Herbal laxatives based on buckthorn bark, rhubarb, senna, fruit extracts. Despite the natural basis of such drugs, the duration of their administration is limited, because does not exclude a negative effect on the intestinal wall.
• Enemas and microclysters. To eliminate constipation, doing an enema more than twice a day is not recommended.

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

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

Seeing a doctor

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

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

ethnoscience

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

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

Prophylaxis

If the body does not get rid of fecal masses daily, then self-poisoning occurs. Dealing with an already existing problem and neutralizing the consequences is more difficult than preventing. Compliance with simple preventive measures will help to avoid troubles from the gastrointestinal tract before and during menstruation:

• Nutrition control from the moment of ovulation should be stricter.
• Drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
• Maintaining moderate physical activity.
• Conducting the prevention of constipation using traditional medicine.
• Taking one tablet of Drotaverine or analogues to prevent spasm of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.

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