I have noticed that when I am on my period, I defecate and fart much more frequently than usual. I was wondering why this was the case. I also find that chocolate works as a natural laxative for me. Why is that? --Usually regular

Although informally many women have agreed with your testimony about digestive upset around the time of their periods, Alice has not been able to find any scientific reasoning for this phenomena. In terms of remedy, you may try implementing some dietary changes starting a few days before you expect your period. Make sure the food you eat is varied, sufficient and balanced. Pay attention to the positive and negative effects of what you eat. Many women find it helps to eat more whole grains and whole flours (high fiber), vegetables, and fruit around their periods. At the same time, it would be important to decrease or eliminate salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Try eating small frequent meals or snacks rather than two or three bigger meals, and see if there's any change for the better around your cycle. Lastly, exercise usually helps keep your digestive system functioning smoothly. Although it's often the last thing you want to do while on your period, it consistently helps ease cramps and keep your system on track.

As far as chocolate being a laxative, it's rather high in fat, and that may be contributing to your urgency to go to the bathroom after eating it. It also contains a small amount of caffeine, known to be stomach irritant. Anyone who has any other, or more detailed information on either of these two topics, please write to Alice and let her know.

Alice

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