There’s a lot of talk on the internet about the common annoyances of menstruation. We hear often about pesky period cramps, unwanted bloating, sudden mood swings, depression, hormonal breakouts, the list goes on. Yet, included in this range of unpleasant symptoms is another, less-talked-about phenomenon: indigestion. Many women experience diarrhea as a telltale sign their period is about to arrive (or has arrived) signaled by other unpleasant symptoms like cramps and bloating. Oftentimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between knowing what period cramps feel like and actually having to poop. In this blog, we’ll explore how menstrual cramps affect digestion and homeopathic solutions for managing PMS symptoms.
How your period affects your digestive system
In the spirit of bringing taboo topics to the table, let’s start by explaining the connection between your reproductive and digestive systems. In essence, no, you are not imagining an increased need to run to the bathroom while cramping. To explain, your uterus and digestive organs live next to each other and share a host of nerve pathways.
Considering this, it makes sense how uterine contractions trigger bowel movements. This also explains why period cramps are easily confused with digestive stomach aches. We know by now that each menstrual cycle phase stimulates fluctuations in hormone production. Particularly progesterone and prostaglandins, which have a sizable impact on digestion.
Basically: blame your progesterone & prostaglandins
During the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, chemicals that mimic your hormones, called prostaglandins, are produced and cause the uterus to contract. These contractions are how your uterus sheds its lining and hence, induces menstruation. Bodies that produce higher levels of prostaglandins are not only more likely to experience dysmenorrhea, or painful period cramps, but also increased bowel stimulation. For some, this stimulation could be mistaken for a tummy ache.
However, for others, higher levels of prostaglandin production results in actual diarrhea. This increase in prostaglandins also impacts the muscles in your intestines by quickening digestion. Consequently, looser stools and more frequent bowel movements ensue. On the other hand, rather than diarrhea, some women experience constipation right before or during their menstrual cycle. Higher progesterone production has the opposite effect, slowing the digestive process down. As a result, bowel movements become less frequent and more difficult to pass.
The hormonal turbulence menstruation brings with it explains the unpleasant ways your digestive system behaves before and during your period. The constant fluctuation of hormone production either quickens or slows the digestive process, promoting symptoms from diarrhea to constipation, bloating, and gas. Although these symptoms are totally normal and experienced by masses of women, they are uncomfortable and in some cases may require medical attention.
How to manage painful period cramps and abnormal digestion
If you’re tired of having to drop what you’re doing to run to the bathroom while PMSing, there are natural solutions at your disposal that can combat both abnormal digestion and other premenstrual symptoms as well. Ladykind products are revered for their effectiveness on bloating, cramping, period blues, appetite changes, and sleep challenges. Importantly, when looking for health aid supplements, try to opt for alternative health solutions to avoid the synthetic chemicals in pharmaceutical painkillers. These analgesics only further exacerbate the hormonal rollercoaster. Conveniently, Ladykind has a two-step regimen that’s here to solve all your PMS and digestive problems.
Ladykind products support optimal women’s wellness by restoring hormone balance. This sublingual tincture duo provides daytime support when you need to soothe pain and boost energy and concentration. As you move into the P.M. hours, follow up with Wind Down when it’s time to relax and recharge. Both of these award-winning tinctures combine cannabidiol, a powerful agent for pain and stress relief, with other Ayurvedic staples like maca root, damiana, ashwagandha, and holy basil to eliminate all menstrual-related symptoms.
PRO TIP: combine this tincture duo with Ladykind’s topical Tough Love Period Pain Relief Cream for an ultra-targeted approach to painful period cramps and subsequent diarrhea and/or constipation.
Your new PMS wellness regimen
The Rise Up Daily Mind-Clearing Tincture and Wind Down Nightly Mind-Relaxing Tincture, especially when used together, balance out abnormal levels of prostaglandin and progesterone production to keep period cramps and digestive discomfort at bay. What’s more, you can rest assured the ingredients you’re consuming are organically-derived, traceable, and sustainably-sourced. In short, these star products support hormone balance and holistic health so you can get back to doing the things that matter most. Together, this duo offers around-the-clock support for women dealing with the fallout effects of hormone turbulence- whatever they may be.
By incorporating these two tinctures into your daily routine, you’ll effectively reduce the severity of painful period cramps, sudden digestive issues, irritability, and insomnia to get back to a more balanced version of you during throughout the menstrual cycle phases. No matter what your period cramps feel like, Ladykind can help. As a reward for educating yourself on natural remedies to common women’s health concerns, we’re offering an exclusive 20% off discount off our award-winning hormone-balancing tincture duo, the Rise and Rest Set. Enter code RISEANDREST20 at checkout to redeem!
