Women's Constipation - Before & During Menstruation

It can be tough to completely avoid constipation before a period or other types of gastrointestinal distress – hormones are likely to affect your body whatever you do.^3E 

However, making some adjustments in your day-to-day diet and routine might help your bowel movement become softer and easier.^1C 

There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble – and both can help your gut feel and work better.^8A 

Insoluble fiber makes your stool heavier, helping it move through your body smoothly.^8B Soluble fiber becomes a gel that bulks out your stool, helping to support the overall health of your digestive system.^{8C, 8D} However, soluble fiber is preferable.¹⁴ 

Eating a diet full of this dynamic duo of fiber might help to avoid constipation before a period.^8E 

High-fiber foods include: 

• legumes, like beans, chickpeas, and lentils^9A 
• skin-on potatoes^9B
• fruits like raspberries, pears, blackberries^9C 
• whole grains^9D 

It’s important not to pile on the fiber too quickly, as it can add to bloating, gas, and – most importantly for those experiencing period constipation – cramps.^8F 

Fiber isn’t the only thing to consider when trying to reduce constipation during menstruation. While the temptation might be to curl up with some comforting junk food, fatty foods like meat, cheese, and eggs can make constipation worse. ^1D

Water plays a key role for a proper gut function, therefore an adequate fluid intake is needed as part of a healthy lifestyle. ^{1E, 15} 

It’s easier said than done when your period is in full flux, but reducing the impact of stress can be an important way of lowering your risk for constipation as well.^10A 

Stress releases hormones that can mess with your bodily functions in several ways, including the digestive system. In short, because of this, increased stress levels can cause constipation.^11A 

Yoga and meditation are a couple of great ways to unwind and take a breath from a stressful or hectic lifestyle.^12A Otherwise, you could try a long walk to get more active, hang out with friends, or even just rewatch your favorite movie. Whatever makes you smile, laugh, or feel generally better might help you de-stress and avoid constipation.^12B 

Move. It’s as simple as that. While cramps and constipation might mean that exercise is the very last thing on your mind, getting active can help you prevent constipation in general, so naturally it can also help to avoid constipation before your period.^13A 

Physical activity as part of your lifestyle might increase your bowel movements, stimulate nerves, or help your digestive system release hormones that help you poop more easily.`^13B

If you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. Listen to your body, and when you feel the urge to poop, poop.^10B Don’t ignore nature’s call.^10C 

There are several options to help relieve your constipation. Laxatives can help relieve constipation. You can take an over-the- counter (OTC) laxative to loosen up your bowel movements by drawing water into them, or stimulating bowel movements.^1F 

Dulcolax brand have a full range of products available that may help, including stimulant laxatives, osmotic/saline laxatives, and stool softeners. 

Dulcolax Stool softeners can, well, soften your stools, making them easier to pass. 

Stimulant laxatives like Dulcolax Tablets and Suppositories (bisacodyl) can effectively make your bowels move and relieve constipation.^1G 

 Saline laxatives like Dulcolax Chewy Fruit Bites, Dulcolax Kids Soft Chews, Dulcolax Soft Chews and Dulcolax Liquid work by drawing water into the intestines. This hydrates the stool and makes it easier to pass. Saline laxatives can also help increase the number of bowel movements. 

Constipation, Stool and Bowel Movement: What Is The Connection? 

You can also try: 

• keeping your feet raised when you’re using the toilet^1I 

• leaning back while you poop^1J 

• squatting over the toilet bowl^1K 

• taking fiber supplements^1L