“Is my constipation normal?”
Once a month, I become constipated for 5-6 days. I am a female, could it be hormonal? I am 26 years old.
27 Answers
No, this is rarely if ever a hormonal problem. If lower abdominal pain accompanies the constipation then this would indicate probable irritable bowel syndrome, which is a very common condition. The colon motility can slow down from time to time. It's ok to increase dietary fiber, fruits, or use laxatives periodically to help on the days that you have constipation.
It is not certain if this is gyn related. You may consider visiting your reg doc to evaluate this further.
This could well be hormonal, especially if it occurs at the same time in relation to your menstrual cycle.
Victoria V. Snegovskikh
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)
This kind of constipation is not normal, I would suggest seeing a gastroenterologist for a consult.
Constipation is never normal. Try to increase your fluid intake and add more fiber in your diet. If it continues, then follow up with your primary care physician.
Curtis G. Graham
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)
There is no supportive medical studies that show that variance of hormone levels has any effect on constipation, or bowel motility. Usually constipation is the result of dietary intake---dehydration and lack of fiber in foods. Since it is intermittent, there is less worry about pathologic bowel diseases. I tell my son, if constipation goes over 2 days then go for a couple bowels of bran flakes.
It is possible, you should check with your OB/GYN
Hi, I am sorry you are having constipation issue. It is so uncomfortable! Constipation for 5-6 days is not normal. Is it from medications? Is it Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Is it other causes? Please see a doctor.
Constipation is usually in relation with your diet with your habit and also if you're using narcotic dehydration
Yes, it is very likely it is hormonal. Many women get this in the week before their cycle and once they start their cycle, they have relief. Be sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water that week. You can also add a stool softener to help.
No
It could be hormonal, but could be due to diet or activity changes as well.
Keeping a log of symptoms, menstrual cycles, diet and activity will help to determine the cause. Entering data into a calendar is a simple way of correlating symptoms, life style and menstral cycles.
Keeping a log of symptoms, menstrual cycles, diet and activity will help to determine the cause. Entering data into a calendar is a simple way of correlating symptoms, life style and menstral cycles.
Yes, this is likely due to progesterone.
Yes this can be normal, your gut motility can be affected by your hormones, women usually have this problem a week to 10 days prior to their period that's when the hormone progesterone peaks, same reason why pregnant women are usually constipated. Increasing fiber in your diet and increasing fluid intake helps. Also if you are not using any probiotics, you can consider introducing that as well
This pattern of constipation is in fact seen in many women during the reproductive years. Increased abdominal bloating and constipation is frequently noted during the pre-menstrual period, and symptoms are noted to subside with the onset of menses.
If it is around your cycle, may just need to increase fiber and water intake at that time. If not coinciding with your menses, need to see your family physician for a check up.
Constipation could possibly be related to your hormones if you experience
symptoms cyclically. However, there are many other causes of constipation.
I would recommend you follow-up with you doctor for evaluation.
symptoms cyclically. However, there are many other causes of constipation.
I would recommend you follow-up with you doctor for evaluation.
Yes, it can be hormonal since it is cyclical. Make sure you are drinking enough water (at least 6 to 8 cups per day, getting exercise and enough fiber in your diet). While Colace, Miralax, Milk of Magnesia are over the counter medications you can purchase to help, if you are interested in more natural, plant-based options, peppermint and lemon essential oils can help support normal bowel function. Let me know if you have any further questions about natural options/resources.
Whether your constipation is related to hormonal fluctuations depends upon
when your periods occur in relation to your constipation.
when your periods occur in relation to your constipation.
It is unlikely that the constipation is hormonal.please see your primary care doctor if the constipation does not improve with water and fiber in your diet.
Take care!
Take care!
Not every person has regular bowel function. There is a wide variability in how often people especially women evacuate. Incidental constipation is not necessarily a cause for alarm but should be discussed with your physician
Hormonal causes of constipation in females are usually related to pregnancy and the thyroid. It will be helpful if you could keep a journal for 2-3 months to show what you are eating on a daily basis, where you are in your menstrual cycle, physical activity level. This will help determine if there are any significant changes in your life that contribute to these episodes of constipation.
If the constipation occurs 2-3 weeks before periods, then it is hormonal.
Some patients get constipation premenstrually, which is related to premenstrual hormones, but is not hormonal otherwise.
Not uncommon for a woman to be constipated in the last half of her menstrual cycle, when her progesterone levels are highest. Progesterone causes the bowels to relax and become less contracting. Drink more liquids and eat more fiber in this time of your menstrual cycle.
You may have IBS, you need to see a GI to make sure.
Constipation is most commonly related to diet and lack of exercise. We also tend not to drink adequate water. Do HIT (high intensity interval training) regularly, and eat a diet rich in fruit and veggies, as well as soluble and insoluble fiber. It really will work. My go-to's are berries, fresh or frozen, oat bran cereal, and brown rice, together with salads, cooked greens, and lately, kombucha and seaweed snacks. Getting backed up in the bowels makes you more prone to urinary tract infections, and impairs your ability to engage your abs well during workouts. It also makes you more likely to get hemorrhoids. The sooner you fix this, the better.
