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Women and gut health: How your hormones and gut are connected

Bloating and discomfort in the stomach are symptoms that many women experience during their period. Is there a causal link? Channel...

Bloating and discomfort in the stomach are symptoms that many women experience during their period. Is there a causal link? Channel News Asia and Medical Science Today explain the science behind this phenomenon:

  • During the menstrual phase of the cycle, fatty acids called prostaglandins are secreted in the intestinal cells and stimulate contractions in the uterus so that the uterine lining can be shed, which can also produce period cramps, bloating and diarrhea.
  • Levels of estrogen and progesterone, the reproductive hormones, also rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle. Progesterone can influence the gastrointestinal tract and affect bowel movements, leading to constipation and diarrhea. Estrogen can affect bowel motility, influencing the pace at which food, fluids and waste move through the gut.
  • These symptoms can affect different people to a different extent, but you can help your digestive system stay regular by eating a high-fiber diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Sources:

Channel News Asia 2024

Medical News Today 2019

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