Periods & Gut Health: How Digestive System Affects Menstrual Cycle, Expert Explains

Periods are essentially one of the most crucial indicators of health among menstruators.

Though bleeding every month is a normal occurrence, it still affects our entire body. From hormones to reproductive organs, everything that is part of our being knows that it is that time of the month.

The question is if our gut health has any sort of impact on our menstrual cycle. Hence, we talked to Dr Naseem Pervin, Senior Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chennai, OMR branch, to understand how the two are directly related.

Relation Between Menstrual Cycle And Hormones

Among women, the menstrual cycle aims at helping the body prepare for pregnancy. It is only natural that our hormones, especially oestrogen and progesterone, go berserk in the process.

The body also undergoes several changes between puberty and menopause. The menstrual cycle of 28 days (from the first day of periods to the day before the next menstruation) can be classified into four major phases – follicular phase, mid-cycle or ovulation, luteal or secretory phase, and menstruation.

In the follicular phase, the body is under the control of oestrogen. In the mid-cycle phase, the ovaries secrete an egg and the process is called ovulation. The secretion or the luteal phase is when the body functions under the control of progesterone. Menstruation is when you bleed.

So, the body sees fluctuations in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone throughout the cycle. If the hormonal graph is normal, a person would not have health issues like PCOS and PCOD.

Relation Between Gut Health And Hormones

Hormones are secreted by various glands in the body. For example, the pituitary and hypothalamus of our brain can cause fluctuations in our hormones. Similarly, the thyroid and adrenal glands can also affect the hormonal balance.

Now, the gut is where trillions of bacteria reside. It is the gastrointestinal tract that leads from the mouth to the anus. It ensures the digestion of nutrients and the excretion of waste, and majorly influences our immune system.

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If there are more good bacteria in the gut, the better immune system. The growth of bad bacteria can cause inflammation, fungal infection, and severe diseases that directly impact the hormonal balance.

The gut is also directly proportional to healthy cholesterol levels, which are responsible for maintaining the right balance between oestrogen and progesterone.

Relation Between Gut Health & Menstruation

When the circulating oestrogen is deactivated by the liver, it is passed to the gut for secretion. However, if there are bad bacteria present in there, they will reactivate the hormone, elevating the levels of hormone and creating an imbalance.

The increased amount of oestrogen leads to several issues, including PCOS, endometriosis and elevated risks for uterine and breast cancer.

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In the premenstrual phase, you may experience constipation. This is due to high levels of progesterone before bleeding starts. The hormone reduces the contraction of muscles that can lead to the build-up of gas. It can also slow down digestion.

On the other hand, the fatty acids released during periods cause intestinal cramps and diarrhoea. Therefore, if your gut health is compromised, your body will experience hormonal imbalance, and your menstrual cycle will be disrupted. Similarly, if you are experiencing issues with your menstrual cycle, chances are that you would also face digestive issues.