Ovulation and Digestion: Can Hormones Cause Diarrhoea?

Key Facts

Ovulation can cause diarrhoea due to hormonal changes, particularly the release of prostaglandins that affect intestinal motility.
Research indicates a clear link between hormonal fluctuations and gastrointestinal function, impacting digestive health during the menstrual cycle.
Other causes of diarrhoea during ovulation may include ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), requiring medical attention if severe symptoms arise.

Tracking your ovulation may be an effective method for achieving pregnancy. Considering that you may be suffering from diarrhea during ovulation, you may be asking whether there is a connection between ovulation and bowel movements. Can ovulation induce diarrhoea?

What Exactly Is Ovulation?

To comprehend why you may have diarrhoea or an upset stomach during ovulation, you must first grasp what ovulation is. The discharge of a mature egg from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes constitutes ovulation. Learn more about your cycle and when you are most fertile with our Australian Fertility Kits .

Ovulation Symptoms

Lower abdominal cramps from hormone shifts
Temporary constipation caused by hormonal changes
Clear cervical mucus signaling peak fertility
Boosted libido as hormones fluctuate
Cervical position and texture change during egg release
Mild breast tenderness from hormone surges
Light spotting coinciding with ovulation
Occasional nausea due to hormonal transitions
Mild headaches from changing hormone levels
A slight increase in basal body temperature post-ovulation
Minor digestive discomfort linked to hormonal cycles

Diarrhoea and Ovulation

What Causes Diarrhoea During Ovulation?

Diarrhoea is considered one of the most unpleasant ovulation symptoms. To comprehend what causes ovulation diarrhoea, it is necessary to comprehend what prostaglandins are.

What Is a Prostaglandin?

Prostaglandins are a class of lipids synthesised at the location where they are required. The majority of cells in your body create prostaglandins, which are utilised to treat diseases and injuries. Depending on the region of the body where they are generated, they also serve as signals that regulate other activities. Prostaglandins contribute to the regulation of the female reproductive system and are involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, labour induction, and ovulation.

How Do Prostaglandins Cause Diarrhoea During Ovulation?

During ovulation, drops in oestrogen and progesterone trigger the release of prostaglandins, essential for egg release. These lipids aid ovulation by causing a local inflammatory response and relaxing intestinal smooth muscles. This relaxation accelerates bowel movements, resulting in diarrhoea. Reproductive health experts confirm that the link between hormonal changes and intestinal motility is a natural part of the menstrual cycle.

Scientific Evidence on Hormonal Fluctuations and Digestive Health

Recent studies show a clear link between shifts in reproductive hormones and changes in gastrointestinal function. Australian-led research, including findings in the International Journal of Women’s Health , demonstrates that fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels significantly affect the movement of intestinal smooth muscles. During ovulation, increased prostaglandin synthesis is associated with faster bowel movements, highlighting the connection between hormonal activity and digestive symptoms.

Dr. Elizabeth Carter, an endocrinologist, explains, “Understanding how reproductive hormones affect gastrointestinal health is essential for managing digestive discomfort during the menstrual cycle.” Multiple peer-reviewed studies support this evidence, providing valuable insights into how cyclical hormonal changes regulate fertility and impact digestive well-being. This emphasizes the importance of addressing digestive health in overall menstrual cycle management.

Are There Other Causes of Diarrhoea During Ovulation?

Although hormonal changes and the production of prostaglandins during ovulation might induce diarrhoea, there are other causes as well.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention. Seek a healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:

Severe or increasing pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
Sudden dizziness or fainting
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Heavy or unexpected vaginal bleeding
Persistent vomiting or a high fever
Severe diarrhoea with signs of dehydration
Pain on one side of the abdomen
Pain during urination or bowel movements
Sharp or unusual shoulder pain

Early evaluation is crucial to avoid serious complications, as highlighted by top women’s health experts.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis– a disorder where the uterine lining develops in locations outside of the uterus (including the ovaries, vagina, fallopian tubes, intestine, rectum, cervix and area and the uterus)- may cause diarrhoea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, may cause diarrhoea during ovulation. Symptoms of IBS include changes in bowel habits, bloated belly, the passage of excess gas, stomach discomfort or cramping, mucus passing from the rectum, and feeling as if intestines are not empty after passing stools.

Hormones

The interplay between oestrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle can have a profound impact on your digestive system. During the follicular phase, rising oestrogen levels help stimulate intestinal motility, which may lead to softer or more frequent bowel movements. As the cycle transitions into the luteal phase, increased progesterone exerts a muscle-relaxing effect on the gut, potentially slowing digestion and resulting in constipation. However, rapid shifts between these hormones can disrupt normal digestive patterns, occasionally triggering diarrhoea. Progesterone’s influence on water retention and gut bacterial balance can further contribute to these digestive changes, with individual responses varying considerably throughout the cycle.

Gut Microbiota and Hormonal Fluctuations

A balanced gut microbiota is essential for digestive health and controlling inflammation. During the menstrual cycle, hormone level changes—especially estrogen and progesterone—directly affect the composition and function of gut bacteria.

Recent studies show that these hormonal shifts can alter the diversity and activity of intestinal bacteria. This imbalance, or dysbiosis, can weaken the gut barrier and change the production of short-chain fatty acids—molecules that control inflammation and intestinal movement. These disruptions may lead to digestive issues, such as diarrhoea during ovulation.

Dr Emeran Mayer, a neurogastroenterology expert, states that a healthy gut microbiome is vital for managing inflammatory responses to hormonal changes. Recent medical studies support targeted diets—like adding probiotic-rich foods, fibre-rich vegetables, and fermented products—to stabilize gut bacteria and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort during ovulation.

By understanding the interaction between hormonal changes and gut bacteria, individuals can take informed steps to support their digestive health and lessen unwanted ovulation symptoms.

How to Ease Digestive Symptoms During Ovulation

Hormonal shifts during ovulation can disrupt your digestion. Targeted dietary choices can restore balance and alleviate discomfort. Incorporate these evidence-based strategies into your routine and consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes.

Probiotics for Gut Health

Consume unsweetened yoghurt or kefir with live cultures to enhance beneficial gut bacteria.
Include naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
Incorporate these probiotics to decrease bloating and maintain a balanced intestinal environment.

Calcium for Smooth Muscle Support

Choose dairy products or fortified non-dairy alternatives to strengthen digestive muscle contractions.
Add leafy greens such as kale or broccoli to naturally increase your calcium intake.
Rely on calcium-rich foods to regulate gut movements and alleviate minor abdominal discomfort.

Fiber for Regular Digestion

Start your day with oatmeal paired with fresh fruits to jumpstart your digestive rhythm.
Incorporate whole grains like brown rice or quinoa and a variety of vegetables into your meals.
Gradually increase fiber intake while staying well-hydrated to maintain steady bowel movements and prevent irritation.

Evidence from leading experts and clinical studies supports these dietary adjustments for maintaining gut health during hormonal changes.

Lifestyle Choices and Stress Management

Beyond dietary changes, holistic lifestyle choices are vital for maintaining gut health during ovulation. Chronic stress releases cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that can disrupt gut motility and increase gastrointestinal discomfort. Experts like Dr Emeran Mayer highlight that the gut-brain axis is sensitive to stress, making stress management essential for easing digestive issues.

Stress-reducing practices not only soothe the mind but also support balanced digestion during ovulation. Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, yoga, or low-impact workouts, helps relieve tension and promotes smoother intestinal movement. Likewise, mindfulness techniques—like deep breathing or meditation—can lessen stress’s negative effects and aid hormonal balance.

Improving sleep quality and maintaining a consistent daily routine further support a healthy gut environment. These lifestyle strategies, supported by scientific research and real-world evidence, help individuals reduce stress-related digestive disturbances and enhance well-being during ovulation. Always consult a healthcare professional to find the best approach for your individual needs.

Start your day with oatmeal paired with fresh fruits to jumpstart your digestive rhythm.
Incorporate whole grains like brown rice or quinoa and a variety of vegetables into your meals.
Gradually increase fiber intake while staying well-hydrated to maintain steady bowel movements and prevent irritation.