When The Mass Didnt Go Away The Doctors Told Me They Had To Remove My Ovary
Since the mass was causing internal bleeding, it needed to be taken out. At this point, though, they couldnt tell whether it was benign or malignant.
Taking all of this in, I broke down crying. Then, I processed everything that was going on and I was okay again. I knew I was too old to have children . The doctors told me they only had to remove one ovaryso Id still be able to menstruate normally.
The next day, I had emergency surgery to remove my right ovary.
How To Treat Menstruation Dehydration
The secret to avoiding dehydration isnt much of a secret at all. Instead, its a deceptively simple balancing act of consuming more water and controlling the amount you lose throughout the day. Drinking more water is part of this, and there are things that you can do to encourage yourself to do so.
Theres more to it than just consuming more water, however. Its essential to be aware of the other factors in your diet and lifestyle that can also contribute to dehydration. Recognizing the signs of dehydration in your body and reducing factors that can cause you to lose water more rapidly can help.
Why Does Period Poop Sometimes Smell Bad
Not only does progesterone affect the movement of food, but it can also affect your eating habits in the days leading up to your period. Progesterone has been linked to binge eating before and during your menstrual cycle . Changes in your eating habits can affect your stool odor, which may be why period poops can smell worse than regular bowel movements. If youre typically someone who eats relatively healthy most of the time, a drastic change in your diet can lead to foul-smelling bowel movements.
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Ease Constipation During Your Period
That time of the month always seems to come back around all too soon, and if you suffer from premenstrual syndrome , including constipation, it can literally be a real pain in the backside!
The few days leading up to your period is usually when you suffer with one or several PMS symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhoea, bloating, headaches, increased appetite or weight gain from fluid retention, as well as constipation. If you suffer from bloating in particular, you may find the following article on our sister site, the Probiotics Learning Lab, useful: Bloating – All You Need to Know.
Constipation With Bladder Cancer Can Be Horrendous
I mean that literally. Any number of things can cause it: stress, medications, lack of water, or even a poor diet. The hardest part is that we already have pain and spasms from our bladder cancer, and now on top of this, we are adding intestinal pain, constant heaviness, cramping, nausea, and so much more.
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When Bowel Issues Could Mean Something More
There are many reasons why your bowels may feel off during or around your period. One aspect to consider is a uterine fibroid. Fibroids are benign tumors that develop within the uterus or uterine lining. They can cause frequent urination, difficulty emptying your bladder, constipation, or a protruding belly that resembles bloating. Depending on the fibroids size and location, they may enlarge the uterus, pushing on the intestines and bladder.
Many women dont think that fibroids will affect them however, between 70 to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids before the age of 50. Everyone experiences fibroids differently, some women dont experience pain, while others will experience immense discomfort that negatively impacts their everyday life. Other symptoms of fibroids may include:
- Heavy periods lasting more than 10 days per month
- Fatigue caused by anemia
Here Are Some Tips To Alleviate Constipation During The Luteal Phase:
- Magnesium: If there was one mineral that I would recommend to women, this would be it. It plays a part in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body and its the bees knees for constipation, cramps and even PMS. Magnesium glycinate is the most easily absorbed form of magnesium, which will prevent diarrhea. Follow the dosage instructions on the label. However, I LOVE Natural Calm, which is magnesium citrate and not absorbed as well as glycinate, which is why it helps constipation. Just put it in water each night and your constipation will likely disappear! If you take more than 350mg of citrate you may experience diarrhea, so just experiment and see what works for you.
- Ditch the refined sugar and carbs: Cutting out sugar and refined carbohydrates literally removes any chance of constipation happening to me, and Ive seen it work for tons of clients as well. These foods are so inflammatory that they disrupt the gut microbiome causing a chain reaction response in the gut. Added bonus if you have period pain, I can guarantee youll see a massive improvement in that too!
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Why Am I So Thirsty During My Period
If you often ask yourself, Why am I so thirsty on my period?, read on.
Some people may find themselves reaching for less healthy snacks and drinks around their menstrual cycle. Fruits, vegetables, and other healthy snacks contain more water than unhealthy snacks, but thats not what most people find themselves craving. Sweets and salty snacks also cause an increase in water loss and a heightened need to drink or a sensation of thirst.
Thirst is the bodys way of telling a person that they are becoming dehydrated. By the time a person begins to experience thirst, their body is already in the early stages of dehydration. The sensation of thirst should be considered a warning sign that needs attention right away. The increase in thirst around a persons period stimulates them to replenish the fluids theyve lost.
2 Higher Levels Of Progesterone
Progesterone is another type of hormone released into your body as part of your monthly cycle. Progesterone helpsregulate your period: levels of this hormone rise to prepare your body for conception and pregnancy, then drop at the start of your menses if no egg is fertilized. Progesterone helps thicken the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg may develop, but this hormone can have other effects on the body too. In some people, progesterone can also cause loose and watery stools and diarrhea. While for others, it can cause constipation. This is because high levels of progesterone can cause digested materials to travel more slowly through your system.
For people living with existing bowel issues, such as Crohnâs disease or irritable bowel syndrome , progesterone can make their symptoms worse. For example, people with IBS are more likely to experience additional symptoms, such as abdominal pain and headaches, during the period.
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How To Prevent Vomiting During Period
If youre feeling nauseous during your cycle, there are things you can do that may help.
- Ginger has properties that can relieve stomach uneasiness and offer immediate relief. A perfect way to consume ginger is to make fresh ginger tea.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration.
- Put a few pieces of cloves in your mouth and hold them for long. The scent and taste of cloves can bring immediate relief from vomiting. It also decreases mouth sensitivity. Drink clove tea to prevent vomiting.
- Vomiting brings an imbalance in the levels of numerous salts in your body. Drink a solution of sugar and salt to bring these levels back to normal. This can also avoid dehydration.
- Drink lemon water. You can add honey for taste if required. The minerals and vitamins in lemon serve as an obstacle to vomiting and thus stop it instantly.
- Chew fresh mint leaves. Mint relaxes the stomach muscles and also possesses antimicrobial properties.
Can Menstrual Cramps Cause Diarrhea
Menstrual cramps are pains that you experience in your lower abdomen. They can arise before your cycle starts and can last for 2 to 3 days. Your cramps may be aching or throbbing, or it can be sharp or dull. Symptoms may vary from mild discomfort to extreme pain.
All the symptoms of menstrual discomfort are related to hormonal changes. Diarrhea during period is often linked to menstrual cramps. The chemicals released during this time cause uterus and intestine to contract, thus affecting your digestive system.
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What Do We Know About It
In fact, very little is known about the scale and scope of gastrointestinal complaints by women during menstruation. Its not a surprise really. Lets face it, no one likes talking about what happens on the toilet.
But researchers are beginning to dig into the issue.
A 2014 study of 156 healthy, premenopausal women attempted to resolve this lack of research by investigating the GI symptoms women experience before and during that time of the month. The study found a whopping 73% of respondents experienced at least one of the primary GI symptoms both before and/or during their period. Abdominal pain was the most common followed by diarrhoea .
There are also certain chronic conditions, like endometriosis, that are well known for causing painful bowel motions. These symptoms can occur at any point of your cycle particularly just before and right after. For a great read on how endometriosis causes pain in the pelvis and bowel, check out Endometriosis Australia’s guide here.
Theres still a lot more to be done when it comes to researching bowel movements during menstruation. But, some helpful insights do explain why we experience bloating, diarrhoea and constipation during that time of the month.
Balance Your Hormones Balance Your Digestion
We cant discount the role our hormones play in digestive symptoms around ovulation and menstruation.
Our gut is so intimately connected to other body systems, like our skin and our brain, that its not too difficult to believe that there is a connection with our hormones as well.
These digestive symptoms can occur during our cycle even if you do have a normal hormonal balance. But if your hormones are imbalanced, it can create even more digestive havoc.
If youve tried adjusting your diet and lifestyle without seeing any improvement in your symptoms, you might need to dig a little deeper.
Working with a trained practitioner to figure out whats at the root of your digestive issues during certain times of the month is the best way to finally find relief.
If this sounds like something you could benefit from, Id love to be there to help you! You can if youd like to become a client of mine. I email this list regularly when new spots are available to work with me!
Do you notice digestive symptoms during certain times of the month? Do they line up with what the research says, or do you have different digestive complaints? Share your experiences in the comments!
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Progesterone Slows Things Down
Right after ovulation , your progesterone level rapidly rises. Progesterone is a muscle relaxant. Its even given to pregnant women to delay labor and preterm birth because its relaxing effects are strong enough to counteract uterine contractions. This relaxing effect is also slightly constipating .
Stool moves through the bowel via peristalsis, the process of the muscles lining the bowel contracting and relaxing to create a rippling, wave-like motion to move things though the intestines. Progesterone can mute this effect. You may even notice that you become slightly constipated after ovulation.
Just before you get your period, your progesterone levels fall rapidly, and it can feel like the levee breaking: the hornone responsible for slowing everything down is suddenly absent.
But progesterone isnt the whole story. Prostaglandins are also responsible for loosening things up during your period.
What Are The Causes Of Painful Periods
Endometriosis
For more information on endometriosis, click here .
What is endometriosis? Endometriosis happens when the type of tissue that normally lines the uterus , grows in other places within her body, usually somewhere in the abdomen.
What causes endometriosis?The cause of endometriosis is not understood, there are several theories. In some women menstrual blood containing endometrial cells travels backwards, up through the fallopian tubes, and into the abdomen. In others, tissue of the type that normally lines the uterus, develops in other parts of the abdomen or pelvis. The tissue appears less responsive to the female hormone progesterone. A genetic factor has also been identified. Whatever the cause, in too many women the diagnosis comes late, after years of suffering. And early diagnosis is important.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis? The symptoms of endometriosis include painful menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. The symptoms are different in different women.
How does endometriosis affect a womans health? Endometriosis can cause many problems for a women, apart from painful periods. Endometriosis can cause painful cysts on the ovaries, puckering ad scarring in the tissues that line the pelvis, and can affect other structures in the pelvis and abdomen, such as the fallopian tubes, the bladder the bowel, and the wall between the vagina and the rectum. In some cases endometriosis can impair fertility
Fibroids
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As Ive Learned Throughout My Cancer Journey The Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer May Feel Ordinary At Times But Its Important To Listen To Your Body
Before my diagnosis, I always saw my gyno when I was supposed to and got an annual Pap smear. However, that typically only detects cervical cancernot ovarian cancer. When you seem healthy and dont have any problems, youre not going to go to the ob-gyn for an ultrasound .
Otherwise, signs of ovarian cancer can be notoriously difficult to spot, so make sure to pay attention to even slight symptoms or changes. Constant indigestion or painful periods are worth getting checked out. And if you have a family history of cancer, its all the more important to go in for regular check-ups and screenings. Im the oldest of six childrenI have two sisters and three brothers. In light of my experience, my youngest sister has been more vigilant about her reproductive health and requests to be checked with an ultrasound at her check-ups, just in case.
Can Hemorrhoids Cause Constipation
Having constipation once a while is normal. However, if your constipation remains for a more extended period three or more months things can be worse than you think if you have hemorrhoids.
When you are constipated, you try too hard to go. This way, the veins around your anus and rectum can swell. These veins are known as hemorrhoids. This leads to many people asking if hemorrhoids cause constipation.
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Weird Period Side Effects: Severe Cramps And Constipation
Well, this is uncomfortable. Not because the dull, consistent pain in your abdomen is menstrual cramps but because its straight-up constipation. Severe cramps, youve been there before. Bloating, thats annoying. But constipation AND period painwhat is this Mercury-retrograde madness going on in your body?
Why Do Period Poops Hurt
There are several reasons why passing a bowel movement may hurt during your period. These include:
- Constipation: prostaglandins and progesterone can make you constipated. If you are experiencing hard and dry stools during your period, they may be painful to pass.
- Menstrual cramps: you might experience a flare in menstrual pain when straining to pass a bowel movement.
- Pain sensitivity: During your period, you are more sensitive to pain. So you may experience more pain and have a heightened awareness of it.
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When To See A Doctor
Treasures & Travels/Stocksy
Zellner says that you don’t have to worry too much about experiencing constipation during your period if your bowel movements return to normal relatively quickly, like within a day or two. But there may be some symptoms or instances that could require a visit to a healthcare professional. “Some signs should be alarming and should prompt you to consult a physician immediately and these signs include fever, chills, no passage of gas for more than 48 hours, rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, non-responsive to any maneuvers or medications, and others,” Merhi says. “In these instances, it is better to consult your doctor and be examined before any medication is taken.”
You Might Suffer From Serious Brain Fog
If you’re consuming a lot of protein but cutting out carbs and other nutrients, it might be more difficult for you to think clearly.
“Your brain depends on glucose from carbs as its main fuel it takes up only two percent of your body weight, but uses 20% of available glucose,” registered dietitian and nutritionist Carrie Dennett told Aaptiv Magazine.
When you don’t consume enough carbs, your brain might not be getting enough of its typical energy source, which can make it tough to concentrate.
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Feeling A Little Backed Up The Menstrual Cycle & Constipation
Another P word for you: Progesterone. Its one of the major sex hormones and it spikes during the second half of your cycle, just after ovulation, when the corpus luteum is formed out of the remnants of the ovarian follicle. From the time of ovulation until menstruation, progesterone levels gradually decrease .9
What does progesterone have to do with poop? Research shows that the hormone has a naturally constipating effect 10, especially when levels are high. This is why many women experience constipation around ovulation. Of course, it can happen during your period, as well.
If you experience constipation around or during menstruation, it might have more to do with your food choices than progesterone levels. Food cravings commonly accompany your period, possibly due to hormone fluctuations and an increase in amino acid bonds called endogenous opioid peptides .11 We fully support eating whatever youre craving but keep in mind, that double bacon cheeseburger might not register so well with your bowels.
Red meat, dairy, and fried foods some of our favorites are known to bring on constipation.12 If you were already somewhat predisposed to backing up, those indulgences could be making it worse.