Many women find their bowels change during their monthly cycle. You may wonder if the time when your egg is released (called ovulation) can make you feel blocked up.
What Is Constipation?
You’re blocked up when you poo less than three times a week. But what’s normal varies – some people go once a day, others go less often. Lots of people get blocked up now and then.
How Do Hormones Affect Your Bowels?
When your egg comes out, your body makes more of a hormone called progesterone. This hormone gets your body ready in case you get pregnant. It can slow down your gut, making it harder to poo.
This happens in the two weeks between when your egg comes out and your next period starts. Some women find they get runny poo instead, because of other body chemicals that affect their gut.
What Can Help?
If you’re blocked up, try these tips:
- Drink lots of water
- Eat foods with lots of fibre:
- Brown bread
- Brown rice
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Go for walks
Fruits that help you poo better include apples, grapes, and berries.
Which Foods Should I Skip?
Some foods can make it harder to poo:
- Milk and cheese
- White bread
- Ready meals
- Sweets
- Some cold medicines
How Can I Look After Myself?
Your body may change from month to month. Some months you might get blocked up, other months you might not. Using an app to track your cycle can help you know what to expect.
When Should I Get Help?
It’s fine to talk to your doctor about poo problems – they hear about this every day. If you’re often blocked up or worried, see your GP.
What Should I Remember?
To help your bowels during your cycle:
- Notice your body’s patterns
- Drink lots of water
- Eat healthy food
- Move your body
- Ask for help if needed
Everyone’s body works differently. The key is finding what helps you feel your best.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Baby
Zoom Baby is a leading supplier of Pregnancy Tests and Ovulation Test Kits
This post was originally published in 2015. It was last updated in January 2025.
