Central
Gastroenterology &
Hepatology Center
中環腸胃肝臟中心

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女性生理週期與便秘

Menses Related Constipation

Female menstrual cycle and constipation

Many women have gastrointestinal discomfort before and after menstruation, such as bloating, excessive gas, constipation or diarrhea, which makes the hard days even more uncomfortable. Most women do not have major gastrointestinal problems, but their bodies are affected by cyclic female hormones. In other words, this is a physiological reaction, so women should not worry too much.

Female hormones affect the digestive system, and the most common result is constipation before menstruation and it will subside during menstruation. But after all, everyone’s hormone secretion is different and the body reacts differently, so the symptoms are different. If you have such troubles, you can do more exercise before menstruation, eat more high-fiber foods, and keep hydrated to help excretion. Try to avoid foods that are high in “FODMAP” to reduce the formation of gas in bowels and cause bloating and discomfort. Studies have shown that women with irritable bowel syndrome / bowel hypersensitivity are more likely to have physiological periodic gastrointestinal discomfort. Those symptoms are generally more serious, with fatigue, lower back pain and insomnia.

Female hormones affect the digestive system, and the most common result is constipation before menstruation and it will subside during menstruation. But after all, everyone’s hormone secretion is different and the body reacts differently, so the symptoms are different. If you have such troubles, you can do more exercise before menstruation, eat more high-fiber foods, and keep hydrated to help excretion. Try to avoid foods that are high in “FODMAP” to reduce the formation of gas in bowels and cause bloating and discomfort. Studies have shown that women with irritable bowel syndrome / bowel hypersensitivity are more likely to have physiological periodic gastrointestinal discomfort. Those symptoms are generally more serious, with fatigue, lower back pain, and insomnia.

If you are not sure about the relationship between your menstrual cycle and gastrointestinal discomfort, you can record gastrointestinal symptoms and menstrual days in a dairy. In addition to physical causes, diseases can also cause similar symptoms. The most common is endometriosis. Please consult your doctor for details