Menstruation
Diarrhoea during your period
As if having your period wasn’t enough, some women can also experience a bout of acute diarrhoea at the same time. However, those who suffer often just accept it as a normal part of their monthly cycle.
How common is menstrual diarrhoea?
It is actually fairly common for a bout of diarrhoea to coincide with your period. Approximately a third of women, who do not normally suffer from bowel complaints, experience gastrointestinal symptoms around the time of menstruation – typically gas, diarrhoea or constipation. The most common of these is diarrhoea – experienced by 19% of women. The problem can be worse for women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Around 32% of women who suffer from IBS complain of diarrhoea around the time of their period.
Why does it happen?
Although the reason for bowel complaints during menstruation is unclear, it has been suggested that increased levels of the hormone ‘progesterone’, which is produced at this time, causes changes in the way the muscles in the gut wall contract (peristalsis), making the digestive system more sensitive.
How does IMODIUM® work?
Contrary to popular belief, IMODIUM® does not act like a 'cork'. The active ingredient 'loperamide’, calms the digestive system and helps to restore your body’s harmony, leading to firmer stools.
Unfortunately, many women suffer from diarrhoea during menstruation . It is thought to be caused by changes in your hormonal balance. But you don’t have to let it ruin your month; you can treat it quickly and effectively with IMODIUM® products.
To find out more, visit our Diarrhoea during your period section.
Many people find that diarrhoea comes with other unpleasant symptoms, such as stomach cramps, wind and bloating. These are caused by excess gas in the gut. IMODIUM® Plus has an added ingredient to tackle this, as well as treating the diarrhoea, so it provides a more complete relief than other IMODIUM® products. IMODIUM® Plus is available in easy to swallow caplets.
IMODIUM® Original (6), IMODIUM® Classic (8, 12, 18), IMODIUM® Instants (6) or IMODIUM® Instant Melts (12) can be used to treat short-lived bouts of IBS-related diarrhoea. However, it is important that you see your doctor first for a proper diagnosis.
To find out more, visit our IBS Treatment section.
| Acute Diarrhoea |
The term diarrhoea is used when stools are passed more than three times a day and when the stools become loose or watery. In acute diarrhoea, symptoms come on suddenly but usually clear up within 5-10 days. |
| Bowel |
Another name for the intestine; also known as the gut.
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| Gastroenteritis |
An inflammation of the stomach and the intestines, which can cause nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Viruses, food poisoning and stress can all cause gastroenteritis. |
| Constipation |
Infrequent, and often incomplete, bowel movements; the opposite of diarrhoea. |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) |
A common gastrointestinal disorder, characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, mucus in stools, and irregular bowel habits, with alternating diarrhoea and constipation. |
| Menstruation |
The periodic blood that is discharged from the uterus, occurring at approximately 4 week intervals, making up the menstrual cycle. |