IBS and menstrual cycle

[Olivia1980]

I've been suffering with IBS symptoms for over two years now, alternating constipation and diarrhoea. D gets worse when travelling, changing eating habits, or when having large meals. I've noticed that I seem to get two flareups of D most months during ovulation and the first days of my period.

Is this common? If so, does this mean there is a connection between IBS and potentially endometriosis? I would really appreciate to hear from others. Thanks!

[alwayshope111]

This is very common, I get worsened symptoms during PMS, too. Here is an article that taught me a lot about it ( broadly.vice.com/en_us/arti... ). A hormone called prostaglandin is mentioned, apparently pomegranate juice can inhibit their production.

[Olivia1980 in reply to alwayshope111]

Thanks! Much appreciated. I've heard before about prostaglandin being the cause of this but I didnt now about pomegranate juice!

[WoolPippi]

I tame endometriosis by using bio-identical progesteron. There's a generic pill from the doctor and a cream over the counter. This is not a birth-control!! birth-control are not bio-identical hormones.

Lots of useful information in a book called "What your doctor may not tell you about (peri)menopause". I read it when I was 21 and it was the best thing ever.

I now balance my hormones. I still get D on the first day of my period. No endometriosis though.

[Olivia1980 in reply to WoolPippi]

Thanks. Much appreciated. I'll check it out.

[Upsetstomach18]

Super helpful to see this post as I also get D around my period - frequently beforehand and definitely during at least the first day too. Sometimes it’s lasted the whole period depending on how my hormones and stress load are that month. Thanks all for advice.

[Olivia1980]

Yes, there’s def a connection. I’ve been keeping a diary for the past 6 months of this and I’ve seen the following patterns of D flare ups and abdominal discomfort: Days 1-2 of the cycle (period), days 14-15 (ovulation), days 20-22 (no idea why, maybe PMS).

I think I’ll ask my GP whether I might have endometriosis since I’ve seen women get migdianosed with IBS sometimes. I’ve also read that having IBS and also endometriosis is common.