Digestion...
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating/ trapped gas
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Tips and tricks...
Nausea or vomiting
This may be associated with menstrual migraines (with or without a headache) or in response to severe period pain (usually due to fibroids or endometriosis).
Constipation
Not passing regular stools is very common in the days leading up to menstruation (often this is followed by diarrhoea as menstruation begins).
Bloating: trapped gas/ water retention
'Bloating' can refer to either trapped gas in the colon (abdominal distension and pain) or water retention (temporary weight gain/ swelling).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition. It can cause stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.
Relevant blogs...
You are what you eat...
Reducing systemic inflammation by eating a healthy diet can reduce (pre)menstrual symptoms, as well as those of underlying conditions.
Is your food affecting your mood?
Guest blog by Helen Sanders, chief editor at Health Ambition. The link between diet and mood, and some pointers to help beat depression.
Know thyself! The importance of tracking the menstrual cycle
Tracking your menstrual cycle really can; save your life, improve your health and wellbeing, and inform your doctor's diagnosis.