National Period Poop Day

Young woman holding a hot water bottle, wearing cozy pajamas, reading a book by a fireplace.. — National period poop day illustration

Get ready for a day that will truly make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even cry a little. It's National Period Poop Day! That's right, a day dedicated to discussing a bodily function that many people experience during that time of the month. So grab your pad, your tampon, or your trusty cup, and let's dive into the hilariously uncomfortable world of period poops.

When is Period Poop Day?

It's national period poop day on the 19th October.

The Origins of National Period Poop Day

Period Poop Day might not be an official national day, but it definitely has gained quite the following online. With 81 mentions all over the internet, it's clear that people are not shy about this topic. The most mentions were recorded on October 19, 2019, when the world seemed to collectively embrace the humor in menstrual bowel movements.

While the internet might not have an exact origin story for this peculiar day, it's safe to say that it was born out of a desire to break the taboo surrounding periods and promote open conversations about women's health.

So how did period poops become such a big deal? Well, let's just say that many women noticed a common occurrence during their menstrual cycles. It turns out that hormonal changes during that time of the month can affect the digestive system, leading to some interesting bathroom experiences. And why keep it a secret when you can share your stories and bond with others who have gone through the same thing?

History behind the term 'Period Poop'

1970s

The emergence of the term

During the 1970s, discussions around menstruation began to gain traction, and people started being more open about the topic. As a result, individuals began noticing a curious phenomenon - the change in bowel movements during their menstrual cycles. This led to the coining of the term 'period poop' to describe this particular experience.

2014

The birth of a term

In 2014, the term 'period poop' emerged as a way to describe a phenomenon experienced by some individuals during menstruation. It refers to changes in bowel movements that occur in association with the menstrual cycle. Although not widely recognized or discussed at the time, it started gaining traction as more people began sharing their experiences online.

1995

The Inception of the Term

In 1995, the term 'period poop' first emerged in informal conversations among women. It referred to changes in bowel movements experienced by some individuals during their menstrual periods. Women noticed that their bowel movements could become looser, more frequent, or even constipated during this time. This phenomenon sparked discussions among friends, leading to the coining of the term 'period poop'.

1971

Menstrual Episode on TV

In 1971, a television episode of the medical drama 'Marcus Welby, M.D.' titled 'The Soft Phrase of Peace' aired. It featured a storyline where a teenage girl experiences discomfort and mood swings during her period. While the phrase 'period poop' was not explicitly used, it marked one of the earliest depictions of the physical and emotional changes women can go through during menstruation.

1999

The Poop Connection

In 1999, Dr. Judith Reichman, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, published a book titled 'I'm Not in the Mood: What Every Woman Should Know About Improving Her Libido.' In one chapter, she addressed the connection between bowel movements and the menstrual cycle, discussing how some women may experience changes in their bowel habits, specifically mentioning the term 'period poop'.

1980s

Scientific interest

In the 1980s, scientific research on the connection between menstrual cycles and bowel movements started to emerge. Studies revealed that hormonal changes during menstruation could indeed influence bowel habits, causing some individuals to experience looser or more frequent bowel movements. The term 'period poop' gained further recognition as a result of these scientific findings.

Early 2000s

Online Discussions and Validation

By the early 2000s, online forums and message boards offered a platform for women to openly discuss their experiences of 'period poop'. These discussions helped validate the shared experiences and allowed women to realize they were not alone in dealing with changes in bowel movements during menstruation. The term gained traction and became more widely recognized among women worldwide.

2015

Advanced discussions and online forums

By 2015, 'period poop' discussions were becoming more prevalent on social media platforms, online discussion forums, and women's health websites. Many individuals started expressing their curiosity and concerns about the connection between menstruation and changes in their bowel movements. The term became an online buzzword, gaining recognition among those seeking information and validation regarding this aspect of their menstrual cycle.

1990s

Normalizing conversations

Throughout the 1990s, there was a growing movement to normalize discussions about menstruation and related experiences. As part of this effort, 'period poop' found its way into informal conversations, empowering individuals to embrace and openly discuss the subject. The term served as a way to not only acknowledge a common bodily experience but also break down taboos surrounding menstruation.

2010

Social Media Breakthrough

With the rise of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, the term 'period poop' reached a new level of visibility. Women began using hashtags and sharing posts about their experiences with 'period poop', creating a sense of solidarity among those who experienced similar changes in bowel movements during their menstrual cycles. Menstrual health advocacy groups and influencers also helped raise awareness about the term by addressing the topic openly and educating others.

2017

Experts weigh in

In 2017, medical professionals and experts in the field started acknowledging 'period poop' as a valid phenomenon. They noted that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect gastrointestinal function, leading to changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or increased urgency. This recognition by experts helped validate the experiences of those who had been discussing and identifying with 'period poop' for several years.

2010

Online Discussions Emerge

Around 2010, online forums and social media platforms began seeing an increase in discussions about 'period poop.' Women started sharing their personal experiences of experiencing changes in their bowel movements during their menstrual cycle. This online dialogue led to the popularization and normalization of the term among women as they realized they were not alone in this phenomenon.

Present

Normalization and Research

In recent years, 'period poop' has become more normalized in conversations around menstruation. Medical professionals have acknowledged the existence of menstrual-related changes in bowel movements, attributing them to hormonal fluctuations and the physiological effects of menstruation on the body. Researchers continue to explore the exact mechanisms behind 'period poop' to better understand this phenomenon and develop strategies to alleviate any discomfort or complications.

2000s

Online communities and social media

In the 2000s, with the rise of online communities and social media, 'period poop' gained significant visibility. People started sharing their personal experiences and seeking support from others who could relate to their symptoms. This online presence further propelled the term into popular culture, making it more accessible and recognized by a wider audience.

2018

Increasing awareness and normalization

As conversations around menstrual health and related experiences gained momentum, 2018 marked a turning point in the awareness and normalization of 'period poop.' It became a topic covered in mainstream media, blog posts, and even scientific articles. The openness in discussing menstruation-related matters helped reduce the taboo and stigma associated with such bodily functions, empowering individuals to seek appropriate support and care.

2014

BuzzFeed Covers It

In 2014, popular media outlet BuzzFeed published an article titled '11 Things Everyone Should Know About Period Poops.' The article delved into the scientific reasons behind why some individuals may experience changes in their bowel movements during menstruation. BuzzFeed's wide reach and engaging content helped bring further attention to the term and its cultural relevance.

2020

Period Positivity and Menstrual Awareness

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards period positivity and menstrual awareness. Various organizations, activists, and online communities have embraced the topic of 'period poop' as part of the broader conversation around menstrual health. By openly discussing and normalizing this topic, it helps break down stigmas and provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences and seek support.

Present

Empowering self-care and understanding

Today, 'period poop' continues to be recognized as a real phenomenon and part of the menstrual experience for many individuals. The term has contributed to the broader understanding of how hormonal fluctuations can affect various aspects of bodily health. By acknowledging and openly discussing the topic, it has empowered individuals to prioritize self-care during their menstrual cycles and seek advice from healthcare professionals if needed.

Present Day

Continued recognition and understanding

Today, 'period poop' remains a recognized phenomenon, and conversations around it continue to be normalized. Medical professionals and researchers have continued studying the hormonal and physiological factors that contribute to changes in bowel movements during menstruation. The term has become an integral part of discussions about menstrual health, showcasing the progress made in openly addressing once-taboo topics.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term 'menstrual constipation' is often used to describe the phenomenon of period poops? It's a real thing, and now you have a fun fact to drop at your next social gathering!