The menstrual cycle of humans is complicated. It consists of a Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý phase, follows a roughly 21-day cycle, and has many effects beyond the shedding of the uterine lining. In addition to the cramps, bloating, hunger, exhaustion or nausea that some women deal with, many may also experience period related poop problems.  are regulated by changing hormone levels, namely Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý (an estrogen), with some minor inputs from other biologically active molecules. One of these molecules is a  that is released by the cells of the uterine lining when they die, that triggers the uterine contractions that expel the lining. The problem is that some of these prostaglandins escape the uterus and are detected by the  of the , which are then triggered to contract. This results in, predictably, more frequent bowel movements during your period. It also turns out that the  regulating your period can also affect your intestines, though contrarily to prostaglandins- by relaxing smooth muscle. This often manifests as fewer trips to the bathroom, or even constipation, during the luteal phase (from ovulation to just pre-menstruation) of the menstrual cycle.Â
