Cramps and mood swings tend to get most of the attention when it comes to symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), so you might worry that the wonky bowel movements you experience before and during your period are abnormal and problematic. In this video, learn why upset stomach and diarrhea around the time of your period are very normal.
Dr. Wu is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in New York City.
References
Bernstein, MT, et al. (2014). Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. BMC Women's Health.
Bharadwaj, S, et al. (2015). Symptomatology if irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease during the menstrual cycle. Gastroenterology Report | Oxford Academic.
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). What can I do about cramps and PMS?
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Women's Health. (2021). Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
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