Yup...it's a thing!
Let me explain.
As your period approaches, both your estrogen and progesterone levels start to drop.
This drop signals the release of prostaglandins which help to contract the smooth muscles of the myometrium to shed the endometrium.
Essentially, your uterus muscle is contracting to shed its lining and voilà. Your period!
At the same time that the prostaglandins are having their effect on your uterine lining, some might also wander next door to your bowels, and have the same contraction-like effect.
Sending you off to the toilet more frequently than you might typically experience.
BUT WAIT! There's more!
Because we are dynamic wonderful beings, things are always changing and cycling. You can't have one state without its opposite!
In the middle of your luteal phase, as your estrogen levels are lower but your progesterone levels are naturally elevated. You might notice the opposite effect on your bowels.
Progesterone is your pregnancy hormone, it helps to hold a baby and maintain a pregnancy. It keeps our muscles loosey-goosey and relaxed.
Since things are relaxed instead of contracting, you might actually notice a slower transit time during this phase since nothing is actually moving and pushing that poop out.
Rabbit poops? 1 poop a day or even less? More difficult to pass?
It could be your progesterone! Especially if you're noting a pattern with how it relates to your cycle.
Don't worry, you're not going crazy! Totally normal and super cool things that our bodies do!
Let's summarize this:
Day 1 = Period = Period Poops
Day 7 = Follicular Phase = normal poops
Day 14 = Ovulation! = normal poops
Day 21 = Luteal Phase = Rabbit Poops
Day 28 = Period arriving soon = Period Poops
Chat soon!
Dr. Maya
p.s.
If this resonated with you and you'd like to dive deeper into your hormonal health, I'd love to chat with you in a complementary discovery call.
As always, the information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your Naturopathic Doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health and before making any changes to your treatment plan.
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