IBS symptoms associated with Endometriosis

[leelou92]

Hi I'm new here, just wanted to ask, but please let me know if its already been asked on this forum. I was just wondering if anyone who suffers with Endometriosis suffers with loose stools/cramping or constipation during the month around times like Ovulation, PMS and during your period? I am not diagnosed with endometriosis yet, but have been re-referred to a gynaecologist in my area because I have just had an endoscopy/colonoscopy under Gastroenterology to rule any gut issues out first. I still suffer from acute pain and heavy flow each month. I have had PCOS since I was fourteen, but my periods seem to be the most regular they have ever been (I am 26).

I ask about the stools and abdominal cramping because for a while I thought it was completely separate from my fertility issues, but can't help but feel the "flare ups" are cyclical...

Would be great to know if anyone else who suffers with endometriosis/PCOS suffers with sensitive bowels?

Thanks guys.

[AllthatGlitters]

Hi and welcome.

Yes I would say for me there is a link.

I have Adenomyosis and possibly Endometriosis which is to be confirmed re laparoscopy in 2019. I have very loose stools in the run up to a period and also whilst on a period. Also had colonoscopy.

It was my vowel consultant who referred me to gynaecology due to the fact I was in so much pain and had lost a massive amount of weight in a short period of time.

Please feel free to ask me any questions as i have been with gastro got over a year now x

[wanwood]

Sounds like it would be a good idea to start keeping a daily diary of your bowel symptoms and your cycle! It may shed a lot of light! Best of luck xx

[AllthatGlitters]

Hey Glitterandsparkle25 your symptoms are the same as mine. Hope you are keepin well at the mo x

[AllthatGlitters]

Oh no hope you feel better soon x

[Thecraftyadder]

Absolutely! Was told I had IBS at 19 and this has been the fob off for years. I was finally diagnosed with deep endometriosis this year at the age of 37! My specialist believes it has been the side effects of the endometriosis all along. I've had an endoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy before. It does get worse with eating certain things (dairy and gluten predominantly- I have to avoid them entirely). I had a terrible flare up last year with the diarrhea going on for a month. I had to take 9 antispasmodics a day to function. I lost weight and got a bit dehydrated. This preceded 18mths of constant pain, nausea a+e/hospital admissions. I had surgery last month. My 'normal' is constipation leading up to the start of my period followed by terrible cramps, nausea and diarrhea while I'm on (sorry if its TMI). I understand its quite a common misdiagnosis. I really hope you get some answers from your referral!

[Sfarre]

Yes my endo is definitely bowel related. I was finally diagnosed this year, when they discovered endo lesions on my bowel and pouch of Douglas (space near to bowel). This is after decades of thinking I had IBS after getting that diagnosis at age 15. My symptoms include very very painful periods (with the sensation of red hot poker up the bum), constipation leading up to and during period, then bloody diarrhea towards the end. I also recommend starting a diary (Endometriosis uk have one on their website). I also found that for my cramps and constipation, that Buscopan Cramps is a total lifesaver and much more effective than painkillers). They helped to turn my periods from week of pain misery, to something resembling a productive time. You may want to ask your gp about that. Best of luck.

[Miss1976]

I am the same too it’s really getting me down never know whether to bother eating or not .. x

[Wheezie72]

Hi leelou, just been told my endo is twisted round my bowel and I am really hoping these issues are linked. I do not remember when i last had a normal bowel movement. My diagnosis last week was a surprise am I starting to keep a.diary of symptons on a daily basis x

[Missy100]

Hi leelou. I have PCOS and suspected endometriosis. I have always had loose bowel movements just before and at the start of my period, but I understand that is common for many women even without PCOS or endo. I usually have blood in my stools as well, purely during PMS and beginning of menstruation, which has been noted as one of my symptoms by my gynaecologist who I have been seeing in relation to endo. I hope this helps.

[hedgehog74]

Definitely related for me. I was diagnosed with endo 17 years ago. Misdiagnosed with IBS. Had a bowel resection in the end, which made a huge improvement. For me it was constipation, so changes in diet helped, plus gentle exercise. Still have sensitive bowel but nothing like it was. Hope that's some help. I think someone mentioned that bowel can be affected by hormones generally but from what I've read, a lot of women with endo have bowel-related issues. Good luck!

[EndoJaz]

I find chia seeds and ground flax seeds in your diet are great for the constipation. Psyllium husk is good too but drink lots of water with these x