Why do I get diarrhea when my period starts?

Women are particularly vulnerable during menstruation, with lower immunity than usual. Additionally, they are more susceptible to external stimuli, which may trigger various discomforts. Many women experience diarrhea during their periods—a condition often linked to physiological changes and deficiencies occurring at this time. So why does diarrhea occur as soon as menstruation begins?

Why Does Diarrhea Occur Immediately Upon Menstruation?

Common causes of menstrual-onset diarrhea include inadequate warmth protection, kidney deficiency (kidney qi or yang deficiency), and spleen deficiency. During menstruation, it is crucial to keep the body warm—especially the abdomen and feet. If either area becomes excessively cold during this period, diarrhea is likely to follow. Women with kidney deficiency commonly experience diarrhea during menstruation, accompanied by additional symptoms such as pale menstrual blood, weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, cold limbs, and a general sensation of chilliness. Those with spleen deficiency often develop diarrhea before menstruation begins; they may also suffer from abdominal distension, edema, and fatigue.

During menstruation, drinking warm water frequently helps warm the abdomen and uterus, thereby alleviating diarrhea. As women are more prone to catching colds—which can further trigger diarrhea—soaking the feet in warm water during the period may promote systemic circulation and regulate gastrointestinal function to ease diarrhea. However, the water temperature should not be excessively high, and soaking duration should not exceed 30 minutes. Given that women are especially physically depleted during menstruation, consuming appropriate warming and nourishing foods is beneficial to counteract internal coldness. Examples include red dates (jujubes), longan fruit, and brown sugar—all of which may help relieve menstrual diarrhea.

In daily life, cultivating healthy lifestyle and dietary habits is essential. We hope this information proves helpful to you.