What Hormone Makes You Poop: Unveiling The Digestive Secret

Ever wondered why your bowel movements can become more frequent during your menstrual cycle? Well, the answer lies in the influence of certain hormones. Specifically, two hormones known as prostaglandins and progesterone play a significant role in this phenomenon. Prostaglandins can trigger contractions in your uterine muscles, but they can also affect your digestive system, potentially leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom during your period. Additionally, progesterone, another hormone, can slow down your digestive processes, contributing to changes in your bowel habits. Furthermore, it’s important to note that factors beyond hormones can also impact your digestive symptoms, such as stress levels and dietary changes, which may be especially noticeable when those period cravings tempt you to indulge in a box of donuts for dinner. So, while hormones are a key player, other factors can also influence your digestive experiences during your menstrual cycle. [Published on August 20, 2020]

Does estrogen have an impact on bowel movements? A study conducted on mice found that when estrogen was administered, it led to a decrease in gastrointestinal movement, suggesting that estrogen may potentially contribute to constipation by slowing down bowel movements. In contrast, the administration of progesterone did not result in a significant change in gastrointestinal movement. This research suggests that estrogen, rather than progesterone, might play a role in causing constipation. These findings were reported on October 17, 2013.

Which hormone controls bowel movements? Motilin, an essential hormone in the digestive process, is responsible for regulating the rhythmic contractions of the muscles in your small intestine. These contractions facilitate the movement of digested food from the small intestine into the large intestine. As of May 16, 2022, this hormone’s significance in the digestive system is well-documented.