Constipation Before Your Period: Causes, Prevention & Remedies

It is rather common to experience a host of changes in your body before your period arrives. Changes include irritability, anxiety, changes in sleep patterns, appetite changes, decreased sex drive, mood swings and difficulty concentrating. These are included under an umbrella term called PMS. Although this topic is discussed enough, constipation before menstruation can be an uncomfortable affair. One must understand why this happens to deal with the problem better.
In this article, you will learn about constipation before period, so that you can meet the issue head-on and get adequate treatment for it if needed.
Causes of Constipation Before Period
Constipation before menstruation takes place due to a number of factors. During your menstrual cycle, the oestrogen and progesterone levels in your body keep adjusting. These hormones affect your ovulation but also have an effect on your digestive habits. Some experts are of the opinion that an increase in progesterone can cause constipation. This takes place when you ovulate or some days after ovulation has occurred. Some researchers believe that if the oestrogen level is higher than usual then it may cause constipation before period. This is according to a study conducted in 2013, by the research team at the School of Medicine, Yeungnam, Korea.
Remedies for Constipation Before Period
There are ways in which you can deal with the discomfort that comes with constipation before menstruation. Listed below are some effective remedies at your disposal:
Hydration is Crucial: Drinking adequate amounts of water is important if you wish to soften your stool and make it easier to pass.
Exercise Regularly: Exercising regularly is great for overall health and well-being. Getting enough physical exercise provides constipation relief by stimulating the intestines. A simple walk after meals could prove beneficial.
Over-the-counter Remedies: There is a possibility that you may need medicines to deal with the issue. In such cases, reach out to your doctor about laxatives, these are short-term solutions that could provide relief with issues concerning constipation before menstruation. Lubricant laxatives such as mineral oils or stool softeners would be effective remedies. Be sure not to self-medicate and consult your doctor before trying a laxative.
Natural Fibre Sources: Adding fibre to your diet is a great way to acquire constipation relief. Fibre adds bulk to stool, at times by absorbing water. This causes your intestines to move. Fibrous vegetables, fruits and whole grains are key essentials to add to your everyday diet. Listed below are a few foods you must include in your diet:
Apples
Oats
Split peas
Raspberries
Broccoli
Carrots

Balanced Diet with Limited Processed Foods: Try to consume a balanced diet rich in fibrous fruits and vegetables while limiting processed foods that cause constipation. Processed foods often contain low fibre and high sugar content, which can halt digestion, leading to constipation. Including a variety of fibre-rich foods ensures smoother digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.
Steer Clear of Dehydrating Drinks: To avoid constipation before periods, it is best to avoid dehydrating drinks such as caffeine and alcohol. These drinks are natural diuretics and affect the amount of water in your body. This, in turn, affects the water available for your stool to absorb. Hence, it is important to maintain water levels in your body.
Birth Control Pills: Birth control pills can regulate hormone levels. This may help with irregularities in constipation, where you are constipated for one month and suffer from diarrhoea for another month. Certain birth control pills can even cause spotting. Light spotting is a common side effect of birth control pills. If this happens, you can always bank on Always panty liners to have your back. The Always Flexistyle Panty Liners are designed to keep your comfort in mind, so they are gentle on your skin. Its fresh scent will keep you smelling fresh and its flexible liners will not get in the way of your everyday life.
Prescription Medication: If you notice that you are constipated all the time instead of just occasionally, then you must reach out to a doctor. Your doctor should be able to prescribe medications to reduce constipation. Medical consultation is always better if home remedies fail.
When to See a Doctor?

Ordinarily, constipation is manageable with home remedies, however, if you feel like constipation relief is not within reach then you must reach out to a healthcare professional. If your constipation lasts more than three days, then a doctor could provide an adequate solution. Certain factors like those listed below call for immediate medical attention
Constipation accompanied by severe cramping
finding blood in your stool call
While constipation needn’t be feared as a health concern, it should also not be ignored. Do everything in your power to prevent constipation, including avoiding foods that cause constipation, such as caffeinated drinks. Instead, include fibre-rich foods in your meals to help your intestines do their job effortlessly. However, if home-grown methods of constipation leave you high and dry, then consult a doctor for constipation relief. If you found this article helpful, then share it with someone who may benefit from it.
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