Many women find their menstrual cycle changes their digestion. It can be normal to feel a little more constipated before your period, and then experience looser stools as the bleeding kick in.
Women with IBS tend to have more painful periods, and it’s been shown rectal sensitivity increases around your period as well.
You may also find during the perimenopause phase when your hormones are fluctuation that digestive symptoms can increase.  This might all feel very unfair as you’re already struggling with bad digestion, painful periods and bloating, but you can get relief from both together when you identify your digestive triggers, and eat in a way that suits your body.
You can read more about IBS and Periods in my longer blog post.