Diarrhea during menstruation

Menstruation is a very special physiological phenomenon for women. During this period, women’s body resistance is poor and it is also a stage where problems are prone to occur. Many women have experienced diarrhea during their menstruation. While it causes inconvenience to their lives, they are definitely worried about something going on with their bodies during their menstrual period. To do this, we can first understand the reasons and then determine how to deal with them. So, what is the reason for diarrhea during menstruation? Let’s take a look below.

Why do I have diarrhea during menstruation?

This is because before menstruation, changes in hormone levels in the body cause a large amount of prostaglandins to be secreted. The function of prostaglandins is to help the uterus contract and stop bleeding during menstruation. The contraction of the uterus affects its "neighbor" behind the uterus - the rectum, which will also be stimulated and produce peristalsis, thus making people feel like they need to defecate.

At the same time, prostaglandins also stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and accelerate gastrointestinal motility. Therefore, in addition to diarrhea, some women also experience nausea during menstruation.

These are all normal reactions during menstruation. To improve this discomfort, you must pay attention to your diet during menstruation, try to eat light and easily digestible food, and avoid overeating. In addition, drink more hot water, get more rest, and keep your lower abdomen warm.

What to do if you have diarrhea during menstruation?

Many women want to know some more specific solutions. Here are two recommended and more effective methods for dealing with menstrual diarrhea.

Diet therapy: Danggui Baishao Drink is recommended

Diarrhea during menstruation is related to physical weakness, especially those with weak spleen and kidney. The cause of abdominal pain is liver fullness. White peony root can nourish blood and soften the liver, relieve pain, and restrain yin and sweat. It can solve the problems of abdominal pain, diarrhea and liver congestion at one stroke, and it also has the effect of regulating menstruation.

Method: Put 5 grams of angelica, 3 grams of white peony and 3 grams of green tea into a cup, add 300 ml of boiling water, cover and steep for 10 minutes until the flavor comes out. Drink the juice while it is hot to relieve the abdominal pain caused by diarrhea. If you find that angelica and white peony are difficult to soak, you can also heat them on the fire. You can control the time yourself. It should be noted that it is best not to drink unfinished tea overnight.

Massage method: massage the abdomen with health-preserving acupoints

Efficacy: Abdominal massage can promote intestinal peristalsis, thereby promoting the body's digestion, absorption and excretion functions, and relieve abdominal pain.

Method: Rub your hands together to warm them up, then place your palms on your abdomen and press down with a little force. With your navel as the center, rub in a clockwise direction from small to large. This is called abdominal massage. When both palms are on the side of the abdomen, pull back with force with the fingers of the hand pressing down, and push back with force with the base of the palm of the other hand pressing up. When massaging to the other side of the abdomen, move the hand that was originally pressing up to the bottom and pull back with the fingers, and move the hand that was originally pressing down to the top and push back with the base of the palm. Repeat this pushing and massaging to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea.

What to do when you have menstrual pain

1. Stay warm

Drinking a hot drink or applying a hot water bottle to your lower abdomen can help warm your body. Keeping the body warm can accelerate blood circulation, effectively relieve uterine spasms and pelvic congestion, thereby achieving a pain-relieving effect.

2. Acupressure

The feet contain acupressure points that are believed to be connected to the qi pathways in the pelvic area. Gently pinch with your thumb and fingertips, and move up along the Achilles tendon to the calf muscle. Acupressure for a few minutes can effectively relieve pain.

3. Do yoga

Yoga can also help relieve menstrual cramps. Kneel down with your knees bent, sitting on your heels. Rest your forehead on the ground and stretch your arms out at your sides. Maintain this position until you feel uncomfortable and your dysmenorrhea symptoms are relieved.

4. Moxibustion

Choose acupoints such as Sanyinjiao and Zusanli, and hang the moxa stick at a height of about 3 cm from the acupoint to make the local area warm without burning pain. Massage each acupoint for about 10-15 minutes, until a blush appears on the skin.

5. Taking painkillers

When menstrual cramps begin, women can take pain relievers with milk or food. The painkillers take effect in about 20-30 minutes and last for 12 hours. This method is not recommended for long-term use.