Diarrhoea can happen to some people right before or during their menstruation. This is possibly caused by the body producing more prostaglandins.
According to Medical News Today, prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that assist certain functions in the body, including:
- muscle contractions
- blood vessel dilation and constriction
- blood clotting
The health publication further note that cells in the uterine lining produce more prostaglandins before a period begins. The contraction of the uterus muscles brought on by this rise in prostaglandins results in the release of the uterine lining. This is what a woman goes through, throughout her period.
The uterus will contract more during menstruation as a result of the body producing more prostaglandins. So, excessive prostaglandin production might result in painful and uncomfortable menstrual cramps.
Some prostaglandins may reach the bloodstream when prostaglandin levels are high. They can then make their way to the bowels and other areas of the body.
Like the uterus, the bowels have a smooth muscle lining. Diarrhoea can occur when the bowels constrict and expel their contents as a result of high prostaglandin levels.
Other menstrual symptoms caused by excess prostaglandins include headaches, vomiting and nausea.
Prostaglandins in excess do not pose any health dangers, except than producing pain and discomfort, states the health publication mentioned above.
