Diarrhea and ovulation: Are they linked?

If you seem to be making urgent trips to the bathroom around the same time each month, you might not be imagining a pattern. While it’s not often talked about, hormonal changes at different points in your cycle could cause diarrhea in some people. 

You might be wondering how this could be the case. Simply put, some evidence suggests that as you experience a rise in the hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that are partially responsible for causing your uterus to contract around the time of your period, they might also make your bowel contract. This might cause your poop to be unusual for you compared to the rest of the month. 

Diarrhea isn’t considered to be a sign of ovulation. Any evidence we have right now about ovulation and diarrhea is anecdotal. However, no one wants to experience bouts of diarrhea, so if it’s happening to you, then make sure that you go easy on yourself, stay hydrated with water and rehydration packets, and eat small but regular meals. Here’s what we know about the links between your cycle and diarrhea and what you can do to manage it. 

Key takeaways

• It’s thought that the hormone-like substances called prostaglandins play a key role during ovulation, and you may have higher levels of prostaglandins just before your ovaries release an egg. Some links have been made between prostaglandins and diarrhea, but this is usually around the time of your period. There isn’t currently any medical research or evidence that has been done that has looked into the effects of the prostaglandins involved in ovulation and diarrhea. 
• Diarrhea is never pleasant, and there are things you can do at home to take care of yourself, like drinking plenty of water, taking over-the-counter diarrhea medication, adjusting your diet, and making time for self-care.  
• You should give your health care provider a call if you’re having multiple episodes of diarrhea a day, if it comes with severe abdominal pain or cramping, or if you become dehydrated. 

Why you might get diarrhea during ovulation

While you might not have seen diarrhea listed as a common premenstrual syndrome symptom or something to expect during your cycle, it can happen due to hormone changes. 

Here’s the science: Every cycle, one of your ovaries releases an egg. This is known as ovulation. This process happens because of hormonal changes that encourage the follicles in one of your ovaries to develop a mature egg and release it. You may have heard of the names estrogen and progesterone, but it’s the hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that might make bathroom trips more irregular during your cycle.

Dr. Jenna Beckham, obstetrician, gynecologist, and complex family planning specialist at  WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, North Carolina, US, explains: “In addition to stimulating the release of an egg from a follicle, prostaglandins also relax smooth muscles.” This includes relaxing your intestinal muscles, which, she says, “may lead to loose stools [or poop].”

Later in your cycle, before your period, your prostaglandin levels rise again. They help to shed your uterine lining (aka your period) by relaxing the muscles there, says Dr. Beckham. This is why you can also experience diarrhea in the lead-up to and during your period. 

Other signs of ovulation

Knowing when you ovulate is key to understanding whether your diarrhea may be caused by ovulation hormones or something else. 

One way to figure out when you might ovulate is by looking at the average length of your menstrual cycles. The average cycle is considered to be 28 days long. However, if yours is between 21 and 35 days long, then it’s considered to be typical. Ovulation typically happens around 14 days before the next period. So, in a 28-day cycle, this is the midpoint. But in the 21-day cycle, this may be around day seven. 

Looking out for the classic signs of ovulation can help you understand your cycle better. It’s important to know that when it comes to ovulation symptoms, everyone is different, and not everybody will feel the same way during this point in their cycle. But here are some signs to be aware of: 

• Changes to your cervical mucus (vaginal discharge), which will become clear and slippery, a bit like raw egg whites  
• Changes to your basal body temperature (your temperature when you’re resting)
• Changes to the position and feel of your cervix (see our guide to checking your cervix for ovulation) 
• Tender breasts
• Bloating during ovulation
• Minor pain in the pelvis or abdomen 
• Light bleeding or spotting (see our guide explaining the difference between ovulation or implantation bleeding) 
• Increased sex drive 
• Mood changes
• Appetite changes
• Heightened sense of smell, taste, or sight

To take the guesswork out of figuring out when you ovulate, you can track your cycle using an app like Flo. Simply log your symptoms, and we’ll provide you personalized insights, including predicting when you’re likely to ovulate each month.

Is diarrhea during ovulation a symptom of endometriosis? 

If you’re experiencing diarrhea around the same time every month, then you may have turned to the internet for answers. You may have read up on endometriosis and be concerned that diarrhea could be a sign. 

First things first, endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the kind in your uterus grows in other parts of the body. The main symptoms are very painful periods and chronic pain. Endometriosis can also cause diarrhea, nausea, constipation, heavy periods, pain when you pee or poop, and painful sex. 

But what about diarrhea during ovulation? Dr. Beckham has this advice: “Endometriosis can affect the intestines, so sometimes diarrhea during ovulation or related to your period can be a sign of endometriosis, but it is not a classic symptom,” she says. 

However, usually, diarrhea caused by endometriosis happens in the lead-up to and during your period. If you’re at all concerned about endometriosis, then get in touch with your doctor. They’ll be able to talk you through any symptoms you have and help you connect the dots. For more information on the signs of endometriosis, here’s our guide to understanding the symptoms. 

Tips for managing diarrhea during ovulation 

Since diarrhea isn’t a typical symptom or sign of ovulation, there isn’t really a treatment for it, explains Dr. Beckham. However, changes to your poop can be really uncomfortable and take a toll on your body, so she has this advice:

Drink plenty of fluids

“Diarrhea can lead to loss of fluids or dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water,” says Dr. Beckham. Look for drinks that are high in electrolytes. These are essential minerals that your body needs to maintain the balance of fluids in your body. Often, they’re lost when you have diarrhea. So, if you can, keep some pulp-free fruit juices, broths, sports drinks, or caffeine-free sodas, as well as lots of water nearby.  

Take pain relief 

“Diarrhea can cause cramping, so pain medication can be helpful, as well as warm baths or showers or a heating pad,” says Dr. Beckham. Diarrhea can also be pretty emotionally upsetting as well as physically uncomfortable, so make sure you prioritize any self-care activities that make you feel good — you deserve it. This might be going for short walks, catching up with a friend, or having a duvet day. 

Change up what you eat

“It may help to eat more bland foods to not exacerbate the diarrhea,” says Dr. Beckham. Diarrhea can leave you feeling pretty delicate, so eating foods like potatoes, noodles, lean beef, fish, and chicken are good options. The BRAT diet (bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast) is also a good guide for you if you’re struggling to eat. Any foods that are low in fiber can help make your poop more solid. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and foods that give you gas (like beans, carbonated drinks, and cabbage) is also a good idea right now. 

Stock up on diarrhea medication 

Over-the-counter diarrhea medications can help you feel better quickly. Speak to your local pharmacist if you aren’t sure what kind of medication might help. 

Prepare ahead of time 

Tracking ovulation using an app like Flo can help you prepare for your symptoms and monitor any changes. Whether medications, diet changes, or self-care practices work for you and your ovulation diarrhea, knowing what’s coming can help you stock up on any supplies you may need and feel more in control. 

When to see a doctor about diarrhea and ovulation 

Dr. Beckham recommends calling your doctor if:

• You’re experiencing multiple episodes of diarrhea in a day
• You have painful cramping 
• You’re dehydrated. It can be hard to know the difference between feeling thirsty and being truly dehydrated. Some signs to look out for include having an elevated heart rate, pale skin, urine that’s dark in color, or a dry nose or mouth. 

Diarrhea can be tough to manage, especially if you experience it every cycle. Whatever you do, try to take things easy and be extra kind to yourself.