Causes of Diarrhea: Menstruation

What causes menstrual diarrhea?

Though the mechanism is not fully understood, changes in hormones are believed to be responsible for gastrointestinal symptoms related to your menstrual cycle.²⁰

This is thought to be caused by a chemical called prostaglandin, which is released during menstruation. Prostaglandins stimulate contractile activity in the colon, which can lead to diarrhea.²¹

Why treat your diarrhea?

If your periods cause diarrhea, you can treat it. IMODIUM^® products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works to relieve your diarrhea so you can start to feel like yourself again.³ If symptoms persist for more than two days or get worse, stop use and consult your healthcare professional.

Tips for managing diarrhea