This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
Published on June 5, 2020, a study by medical news today found that many women attribute their varying digestive health to their period times and ovulation.
For women, dealing with shifting hormones in their lifetime is a natural process. Hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, affect bowel movements and overall digestive health. These hormones attach to receptors in the cells of the gut, influencing feelings of pain or otherwise.
The menstrual cycle has four stages, each lasting approximately 7 days, and is influenced by hormonal changes. The cycle begins with menstruation, where estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest, making digestive health sensitive and prone to cramps.
As estrogen rises during the follicular stage, the uterine wall thickens, and the production of serotonin increases, leading to improved bowel movements and stable digestive health.
During ovulation, the egg is released, and progesterone rises in the luteal stage, preparing the uterus for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop quickly, leading to more cramps and constipation.
Our digestive health is closely intertwined with the hormones produced in our bodies, making it essential to understand the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.
