What Are The Causes of Constipation in Women?

If you’re a woman and suffering from slow digestion, you may wonder what causes constipation in women. There are actually several things that can cause this problem and more women than men seem to be afflicted with it.

Hormonal Change

Often women have problems with constipation related to changes in hormones.  Almost half of pregnant women report having constipation as a result of higher levels of progesterone. But women can also experience constipation as part of their menstrual cycle.

And as you age, you may experience constipation when you go through menopause.  Hormones play a very real role in the way your body functions beyond your period and childbearing.

Surgery and childbirth can also be the reasons for constipation in women.  Fortunately that tends to be a temporary problem that will go away soon after recovery.

Diet

Diet can also play a major role in constipation in women.  If your diet isn’t high enough in fiber, you may find that you have slower digestion.  This problem can be remedied by eating more plant foods and by taking a fiber supplement if necessary.

Not drinking enough water can also be one of the causes of constipation in women.  Water helps the body to remain hydrated so that the digestive system can run smoothly.  If you don’t take in enough water, you may find that your stools become hard and difficult to pass.

Lack  of exercise

Women are often very busy and tend to take care of children and others before taking care of their own bodies.  It’s important that you don’t allow your own health to fall the bottom of your to do list.

If you’re fairly sedentary, this could also be a cause of constipation.  Women who don’t get enough physical activity tend to have more problems in this area.  By simply taking a walk each day you can get your bowels moving again.

Many women also suffer from constipation because they avoid going when they feel the urge.  You’ll need to be able to sense the urge to go the bathroom and then take advantage of that time.  Don’t avoid going to the bathroom when you need to go.  Holding it in leads to constipation.

Medication

Women can also suffer from constipation as a result of medications that have been prescribed.  If you’re taking a medication that you suspect is causing you to be constipated, it’s a good idea to discuss sit with your doctor.  There may be another drug you can take instead or your dose might be adjusted.

Unfortunately when you take too many laxatives you become dependent on them. It can take time for your body to be able to regulate itself properly after laxative abuse takes place.

Eating Disorder

Unfortunately, women tend to have a higher rate of eating disorders than men.  That can lead to higher rates of constipation in women.  For example, refusing to eat adequate calories makes it difficult for a woman’s body to pass waste.

Binging and purging is particularly difficult on the digestive system causing constipation as well as problems with the esophagus, teeth, and mouth.  And many women abuse laxatives in order to lose weight.

How to Treat it?

In most cases constipation in women is nothing to fear.  However, you don’t want to let it go.  It’s important to make sure you stay hydrated, eat plenty of fiber, and get regular exercise.

You’ll also want to talk with your doctor about any constipation you think may be a result of hormonal changes.  There may be treatment to help provide you with more hormonal balance and relief from slow digestion.

As a woman, it’s important to pay attention to your regularity.  If you regularly go two or three days without a bowel movement, you’re probably experiencing constipation.  Pay attention to your lifestyle to see if these factors could be causes of constipation for you.