Because bowel movements are more than just bathroom business. They’re body literacy in action.
Let’s talk about poop.
Yes, that thing we’ve been conditioned to avoid talking about in polite conversation. But at Hey Sister!, we believe your body is always speaking to you, and your bowel movements are one of its boldest messengers. From hormones to gut health to stress levels, your daily bathroom habits are giving you real-time updates on your internal balance.
And if you’re dealing with period pain, mood swings, perimenopause fatigue or just feeling “off”, your gut might be trying to tell you something important.
Breaking the Shame
Here’s the truth: poo is powerful. It’s a direct reflection of what’s going on in your gut, and your gut is one of the biggest players in hormone health. The state of your digestion tells us whether your body is efficiently clearing excess oestrogen, managing stress, or crying out for microbial support.
So, let’s drop the shame and pick up the magnifying glass. (Not literally. Ew.)
Oestrogen: Out With the Excess
Your gut plays a key role in clearing out used-up oestrogen. When things are running smoothly, this process keeps your hormones in harmony. But if digestion is sluggish or you’re dealing with constipation, that oestrogen can get reabsorbed into your bloodstream. This can lead to common symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and heavier periods. Research shows just how central gut microbiota are in regulating oestrogen metabolism, with poor clearance linked to hormone-related symptoms¹.
Cortisol: Stress and Slow-Down
Ever noticed your digestion slows down when you’re stressed? That’s cortisol at play. When this stress hormone is elevated, it signals your gut to take a back seat. This slows down motility — the wave-like muscle movements that move things along — and can lead to symptoms like bloating, constipation, or IBS. One study found that increased cortisol levels can significantly affect gut function, highlighting the strong gut-brain-stress connection².
Gut Microbiome: Your Hormonal Bestie
Think of your gut microbiome as a bustling ecosystem of good bugs that do way more than help with digestion. They influence immune responses, mental wellbeing, and yes, hormone balance too. When this microbial community is out of whack, it can contribute to inflammation, acne, mood swings, and cycle disruptions. Research from Australian clinicians highlights that a healthy gut microbiome is key to managing chronic inflammation and ensuring optimal hormone processing³.
What Your Poop Might Be Saying
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“You’re not clearing oestrogen.”
If you’re constipated around your period, that used oestrogen might be lingering too long. -
“You’re stressed out.”
Stress halts digestion, often causing either constipation or urgent diarrhoea. Not ideal. -
“Your gut bugs are struggling.”
Irregular stools, ongoing bloating, or a lack of consistency? Your microbiome may be out of balance.
Signs to Watch For
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Constipation or changes in stool with your cycle
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Unexplained bloating, fatigue, or mood changes
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Sluggish periods or digestive discomfort mid-cycle
What Healthy Digestion Looks Like
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Daily, easy-to-pass poos
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Brown in colour, smooth in texture, think soft sausage
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A sense of complete relief after going
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Happening at roughly the same time each day
How to Support Gut + Hormones Naturally
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Fibre up. Think leafy greens, legumes, flaxseeds. Feed those gut bugs.
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Hydration. Water supports elimination and keeps things moving.
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Stress care. Nervous system support helps regulate cortisol and digestion.
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Hey Sister! to the rescue.
This isn’t just about pain relief. Hey Sister! supports gut health with prebiotic, anti-inflammatory botanicals like Khaya senegalensis. That’s plant-powered harmony. -
Routine rhythms. Sleep, movement, and meals that sync with your cycle make all the difference.
Let’s Normalise the Conversation
Your body’s signals aren’t gross. They’re gold. Being curious about your digestion isn’t weird. It’s wisdom. And checking in with your poop? That’s a form of radical self-care.
So next time you’re feeling off, ask your gut what’s up. Then take action with compassion and confidence.
FAQs
Q: Can gut health affect my hormones?
A: Absolutely. Your gut clears hormones like oestrogen, so slow digestion can cause imbalances and inflammation.
Q: What does constipation around my period mean?
A: It could mean oestrogen isn’t being cleared properly, and that can make period symptoms worse.
Q: How can I support my gut for better hormone balance?
A: Start with fibre, hydration, and stress support. And don’t forget natural options like Khapregesic®, packed with prebiotic power to ease discomfort and restore balance.
