Each woman has a different experience with their period, some feel worse the week before, some during and some don't experience much of any symptoms. For women with Crohns disease (or colitis) the menstrual hassles don't just end at bloating and cramps, it can actually induce what can be described as a 'mini flare'. Evidence shows that the fluctuation in hormones throughout your cycle disrupts the body's balance, causing things to go out of sync. Hormones called prostaglandins in particular are thought to have a role. The lining of the uterus releases prostaglandins when you have your period, and these are the hormones that help the uterus to contract during a period. Prostaglandins also help muscles in the digestive tract to contract. So an increase of prostaglandins during your period can cause your digestive tract to contract as well as your uterus leading to uncomfortable stomach cramps and diarrhea. As well as this hormone, estrogen and progesterone have an affect on movement of food through the digestive tract, which means the processed is sped up resulting again in stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Unfortunately, periods are just something we have to deal with but there are ways to help and cope with the effects. Many contraceptives can help to ease symptoms, it is just about finding the right one for you. For me, the pill is ineffective as it is absorbed in the small intestine. As I have a poorly broken small intestine this isn't the best for me. But it doesn't stop there, there is the contraceptive injection that can stop periods for three months, or the coil which is hormone free. It is all about exploring the right option. If contraceptives aren't something you want to take or cant take, there are other ways of coping with your period and here are my top tips!
- Buscopan
During your period when hormones are up and your body is in complete disarray, taking buscopan helps to slow down the contractions and movement of your digestive tract. I find taking this on the first day of my period really helps to calm things down, and it really helps the cramps!
- Paracetemol
IBDers are advised not to take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen for pain relief due to their side affects. They can cause indigestion, nausea, stomach ulcers and internal bleeding. Even a hole forming in the wall of your stomach or intestine, which are all side effects of having IBD. So this on top of taking NSAIDs is not recommended. I find taking paracetomol helps me with pain relief, and my tip would to be to take them regularly so every 4 hours to keep on top of pain.
- Hot water bottle
For any IBD sufferer a hot water bottle is an essential accessory. I even keep one in my work drawer! Hugging on to one of these when you have abdo cramps really helps, and even if it doesn't do much to the pain, it feels nice and comforting anyway.
- Food
When you're on, all you can think about is raiding the sweet/chocolate/crisp cupboard and sometimes, you just have to do it. But it can actually really help period symptoms to eat well. Eating leafy greens like spinach and kale really helps, as it increases your iron levels which can drop when menstruating. Low iron levels leave you feeling lethargic and tired, so keeping them up helps you to feel upbeat. Also foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids really help to relax your muscles and steady your nerves so stock up on salmon and walnuts. A food you'll be pleased to know that also helps is chocolate!!! The darker the better, as its packed with antioxidants and is also a source of magnesium which helps with mood swings and boosts serotonin - the happy hormone :)
So there is no cure for PMS, and it is just something we have to go through but hopefully these little tips can help to make that dreaded week, not so bad.
XOXO Crohnie Girl
