Ladies! Menstruation and dehydration

If you're losing more water with more frequent BMs, you might just need to drink more water, or perhaps a rehydrating solution for better absorption. I'd suggest focusing on the hydration, which you have some control over, instead of menstruation, which you have very little control over.

I never found the supplements to be of much use, but hot flashes were my issue, not dehydration. How about taking Imodium during your period? 

Jan

I went on birth control pills to tone down my ovulation/period issues, which helps that period "gut" thing out a lot. It can be r/t prostaglandin release (ex. why you cramp... same hormone contracting your uterus can mess with your gut). Even folks with colons get these issues. Fun!

I menopaused out at about 45 so it has been a while...but...yes, my period wrought havoc on my body and my pouch...I felt like my guts were going to drop out my bottom, a heavy feeling like there was a 50lb weight in my belly, like someone smacked me in the back with a metal bar...And a liquid pouch.

I was so clueless back then...no one gave me any info and no one had a pouch so I kind of figured things out for myself. 

Heating pads and hot baths helped. So did soaking in a salt bath. 

Hot lemonade did wonders. Or hot tea with lemon did too. Lots of diluted juice (about 5 to 1).

Rolling around on a pilates ball and stretching helped a lot...back rubs and belly rubs and hot stones on my back (now I use rice heating pillows that I heat up in a mic).

I would eat a lot of hot soup in those days too (replenish the electrolytes)...a light diet and comfort food plus warm socks and a good book...

Trial and error...and nothing really ever worked 2 months in a row.

Sharon

Thanks to all for your responses

Scott, you're right, I do need to pay constant attention to my hydration. It's been very bad lately--no matter how vigilant I am, I seem to lose control of it suddenly, and then it's hard to get back on track. There's only so much water I can drink before I start to feel nauseated!

Jan, I do take Imodium from time to time, particularly at night if my guts are running faster than normal, whether I have my period or not.

Rachel, I hadn't thought about the Pill for calming my guts. I suppose if I had no other option I might consider it, but I spent about 25 years on and off that drug, and at this point I have no desire to artificially affect my endocrine system, beyond what it absolutely necessary (I am hypothyroid, so take medication for that).

Sharon, yes, that weight in my gut is what I feel for sure! Heating pads are my friend, and I have to say I'm loving the seat warmer in my car lately...

Anyway, as usual thanks to this community for your insights. It's always appreciated!

Karen