Digestion...
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating/ trapped gas
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Tips and tricks...
Nausea or vomiting(opens in new tab)
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).
Diarrhoea(opens in new tab)
This regularly occurs at the start of menstruation for approx. a quarter of the menstruating population. It typically follows a short period of constipation.
Constipation(opens in new tab)
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(opens in new tab)
'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)(opens in new tab)
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...(opens in new tab)
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?(opens in new tab)
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(opens in new tab)
Tracking your menstrual cycle really can; save your life, improve your health and wellbeing, and inform your doctor's diagnosis.