Why do bowel symptoms get worse during my period?

Many people notice bowel symptoms flare during their period because menstrual hormones and inflammatory chemicals can directly affect the gut. Prostaglandins rise with bleeding and can increase intestinal contractions and fluid shifts, which may feel like cramping, urgency, and looser stools.

At other points in the cycle, different mechanisms can dominate—ongoing pelvic inflammation, adhesions, and protective pelvic floor muscle tightening can contribute to slower transit, bloating, or constipation. If your bowel pattern reliably worsens with bleeding (or just before it), that timing can be an important clue when we evaluate possible endometriosis or adenomyosis and plan next steps. Tracking symptoms across your cycle and bringing that history to a consultation with our team can help us tailor an assessment and treatment plan to your specific pattern.