Unable to digest food during my menstrual cycle?

[Anonymous]

I cannot digest food properly - I either get constipation or have to go to the bathroom right after I eat, and it's just not normal. I get bloated and burp, it seems like no matter what I eat. I'm on birth control pills, and I can't remember experiencing any of this prior to starting them. Could it be because of the estrogen levels? Any help is appreciated, google didn't provide any info.

Updates

+1 y

Gross! But it's freaking me out. I feel like I'm on my death bed every time I get it.

[TheFuture]

Go to a doctor, it sounds like a side effect of your BC. The hormones released during your menstrual cycle can easily affect your digestive tract, so diarrhea or constipation isn't that much of a surprise.

Try to eat foods with more fiber, maybe it'll help you manage food a little better, and cut back on the alcohol, caffeine and other things that you would get a hurt tummy over anyway.

[Asker]

:/ okay. too bad my doctor is a dumb-ass, and she doesn't really say anything - she just switches my brand of BC.

[TheFuture]

Go to another doctor. Or be very specific about your problems and have her discuss with you other options. Don't leave until you get a good response, you're paying for more than just a script for BC.

[Asker]

Actually I don't pay for anything. I'm Canadian, so maybe that's why she doesn't care if she gives crappy advice haha.

[TheFuture]

Bonjour! You're still paying for it if you pay taxes (now or in the future, yay social safety net!), and you can just not leave until you get a proper response.

Be sure to be totally honest. Tell her your diet, any other medication you might be taking, any other surprising effects you've noticed while on BC. I know Canada is a backwater but I'm sure there's still a standard of care there. Another doctor isn't an option?

[Asker]

Not really. Its very hard to find a new regular doctor. I could always go to a clinic though.