What Could Cause Frequent Bowel Movement During Menstruation?

Posted on Mon, 16 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 Answered on

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello
I have a general question I am a 46 yr old women still menstrating I am fairly healthy no issues accept thyroid witch I take Levothyroxine for ... don’t take any other meds I find that when I menstruate I have more bowel movements this month I am on day 2 of my cycle they are normal in color and size and are solid the only symptoms I have are normal menstrual symptoms lower back ache cramps and side aches should I be concerned with the more freq bowel movements

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The increased bowel movements are normal.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The more frequent bowel movements during the menstruation is a normal variation due to the hormonal changes in the body. This increased gut motility is associated with the uterine cramps and bleeding. The increased bowel movements gradually decrease on their own as the bleeding gradually decreases. There is no need to worry. This is a part of normal physiology and is not suggestive of any disease or pathology.

I hope this answers your query.

Wishing you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Rakhi Tayal
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad