Menstrual Colitis Symptoms

Women deal with menstrual issues every month until menopause. Women who suffer from colitis, however, sometimes experience a flare-up in the symptoms of this disease along with their regular menstrual issues. This can be difficult to deal with on a monthly basis. The reason that colitis tends to flare up around the time of the menstrual cycle is because of the changes in estrogen and progesterone in the body. The type of treatment prescribed depends on the symptoms experienced by the patient.

Abdominal Cramping

• Abdominal cramping can be mild to severe during that time of the month. Some women say that a heating pad helps, whereas others need stronger drugs to ease the pain. The cramping can be felt anywhere from the stomach to the lower pelvis, as well as the lower back.

Diarrhea

• Some women have diarrhea due to the fact that the prostaglandins are also found in the intestinal tract, which cause the smooth muscles in the intestines to contract. This is one of the leading symptoms of colitis, as well. Many people treat it with over-the-counter medication.

Headache

• Headaches are one of the most common side effects of menstrual colitis. Some headaches can get so bad the individual may feel like vomiting. Usually, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Motrin, can help ease the symptoms.

Constipation

• With menstrual colitis, constipation can occur with the passing of blood and/or mucus in the stools. If the bleeding continues long enough, it can eventually lead to anemia, so patients who suffer from extended bleeding are strongly advised to seek the advice of a doctor as soon as possible.

Nausea

• Nausea is also one of the most common symptoms of menstrual colitis. This is due to the intense pain that the woman may be in, as well as a side effect from any of the medications she may be taking. Many times, doctors will prescribe a drug that alleviates most of the nausea.