Diarrhea during ovulation: Causes, symptoms, and management.

Have you noticed your gut acting up around the same time every month? If those changes in your bowel habits tend to happen in the middle of your cycle, then ovulation could be the culprit. Or more precisely, the hormonal shifts that occur around the time of ovulation.

Many women notice digestive changes around ovulation, ranging from mild bloating to nausea, cramping, and even diarrhea. While it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, the good news is that for most women, these symptoms are completely normal and tied to mid-cycle hormonal fluctuations.

Let’s take a deeper look at how ovulation and diarrhea can be linked, what other symptoms ovulation can cause, practical ways you can manage mid-cycle digestive changes, and when it might be time to speak to your healthcare provide.

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What is ovulation?

Ovulation happens when one of your ovaries releases an egg, typically around 14 days before the start of your next period. In a regular 28-day cycle, this usually occurs around day 14, right in the middle of your cycle. For ovulation to take place, a series of hormonal changes must occur:

• A dominant follicle (fluid-filled sac containing an egg cell) begins to mature in one of the ovaries.
• Rising estrogen levels signal the pituitary gland to release a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). 
• This LH surge triggers the release of an egg from an ovary, marking the onset of ovulation.
• The LH surge also triggers the release of certain prostaglandins.

While many women may not notice any signs of ovulation, some do experience symptoms around this time of the month, likely due to hormonal changes that accompany ovulation.

Can ovulation cause diarrhea?

While there’s no definitive scientific evidence linking ovulation to diarrhea, many women report experiencing digestive changes mid-cycle, which are likely influenced by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during ovulation. Let’s take a look at how:

• Estrogen and LH: Both of these hormones influence gut motility (the speed at which food moves through your intestines) and their levels increase around ovulation.
• Prostaglandins: a hormone-like substance that increases around ovulation to help the follicle rupture and the egg release. They also cause the smooth muscle of the digestive tract to relax and can trigger diarrhea.  

The increase in estrogen, LH, and prostaglandins is likely why some women experience looser stools or mild diarrhea around ovulation, similar to what can happen around menstruation.

Cramping and diarrhea during ovulation

If you experience cramping or mild tummy pain around the time of ovulation it can be tricky to tell the difference between ovulation pain (also known as Mittelschmerz) and cramping caused by digestive changes.

• Ovulation pain is usually felt as a sharp stabbing pain, or a dull ache, on one side of the lower abdomen. It lasts from a few hours to a day. The pain stays in the same place but the next month will be on the opposite side.
• Digestive cramps are more generalized across the abdomen and accompanied by diarrhea. They tend to be relieved by opening your bowels.

Other signs of ovulation

While some women experience diarrhea around mid-cycle, it’s not considered a reliable sign of ovulation. If you want to track your ovulation, here are some more common signs of ovulation to look out for:

• Cervical mucus changes: Vaginal discharge typically becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery around ovulation. It is said to resemble raw egg whites.
• Basal body temperature: A small temperature rise (about 0.5-1 degree) occurs during ovulation.
• Ovulation predictor kits: These kits detect the LH surge which occurs around 24 - 36 hours before you ovulate.
• Other: Other common symptoms include tender breasts, bloating, light bleeding or spotting, increased sex drive, and mood changes.

Endometriosis, ovulation, and diarrhea

Sometimes, consistent diarrhea and abdominal pain around the time of ovulation can indicate an underlying medical condition like endometriosis. 

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, often on or near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowel. This can cause abdominal pain (ranging from mild to severe), bloating, and digestive symptoms that fluctuate with your menstrual cycle. 

Other medical conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also worsen at certain times of the menstrual cycle. IBS also causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating and it can be difficult to distinguish between what is a normal reaction to hormonal fluctuations, endometriosis, and other bowel conditions like IBS. 

If your digestive symptoms around ovulation are severe or interfere with your daily life, it’s worth talking to your healthcare provider. They can help to identify the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatment options.

Tips for managing digestive symptoms around ovulation

If you’ve noticed mid-cycle diarrhea here are some small changes you can try to help reduce discomfort and manage mild digestive symptoms.

• Stay hydrated. Diarrhea can cause dehydration which in turn can make you feel worse. Sip water or electrolyte drinks consistently throughout the day.
• Eat balanced, easy-to-digest meals. Focus on gentle foods that are easy to digest like cheese, chicken, noodles, and plain pasta. Avoid spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, and foods containing lots of sugar. 
• Record triggers. You may notice a sensitivity to certain foods, consider keeping a food journal to see if there is any pattern.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine. These can speed up digestion and worsen diarrhea.
• Try gentle exercise. A walk, yoga, or stretching can help ease cramps.
• Manage stress. High stress levels can amplify gut issues. A warm relaxing bath, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness can help lower stress levels and ease digestive cramps.

When to see a doctor

Mild digestive changes that occur cyclically during your menstrual cycle can be normal and nothing to worry about. However, sometimes it’s worth checking with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re worried

If you have diarrhea and notice any of the following you should consult a healthcare provider:

• Diarrhea that lasts more than two days without improvement.
• Signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, passing no or little urine, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain.
• Passing black stool or blood
• Diarrhea associated with a fever
• Unexplained weight loss

Key takeaways

• Cyclical diarrhea that occurs consistently in mid-cycle may be caused by hormonal changes, especially an increase in prostaglandins, that occur due to ovulation.
• Ovulation diarrhea is typically mild and short-lived and should resolve within a day or two.
• Underlying medical conditions like endometriosis and IBS can also worsen at points during the menstrual cycle and should be reviewed by a healthcare provider.
• Consider tracking your symptoms across your cycle and keeping a journal to look for patterns and triggers.
• See a healthcare professional if diarrhea is frequent, severe, interferes with your daily life, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can diarrhea be a sign of fertilization during ovulation?
No. Fertilization happens after ovulation and doesn’t cause immediate digestive changes. Diarrhea during ovulation is more likely due to hormones, not pregnancy.

What does diarrhea after ovulation mean?
Some women experience diarrhea around the time that their period is due. This is likely due to the increase in prostaglandin production that occurs during menstruation. 

When should I worry about ovulation-related diarrhea?
If symptoms are severe, frequent, or occur alongside pelvic pain or other digestive issues, talk with your healthcare provider to rule out conditions like endometriosis or IBS. 

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