Is Frequent Urination Normal During Menstruation?

Does menstruation make you feel the need to urinate frequently?

Hello Doctor: I started my menstrual cycle last night, and since then, I've been feeling the urge to use the bathroom frequently.
Is this normal? I didn't drink much water yesterday because I was out (but I still consumed over 1000cc).
Could this be the reason for my symptoms? Thank you for your response.

Xiao Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/06

Dr. Weng Wenzhen reply Urology

Hello, Xiao Xuan.
There are many causes of frequent urination.
If it is accompanied by pain during urination and hematuria, it may indicate acute cystitis.
In women, the vaginal and perineal areas have normal flora, primarily consisting of Escherichia coli.
If these bacteria unfortunately enter the urethra, it can lead to inflammation of the bladder.
In such cases, it is important to drink plenty of water and consider antibiotic treatment.

Another common condition is overactive bladder, where there are no bacteria in the urine, urination is less painful, but there is significant frequency and nocturia.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may seek treatment at a hospital.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2005/04/06

More Info

Frequent urination during menstruation can be a common experience for many women, and it can be attributed to several physiological and hormonal changes that occur during this time. When menstruation begins, the body undergoes various changes, including fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can influence the bladder and urinary tract, leading to increased urinary frequency.

One of the primary reasons for increased urination during menstruation is the effect of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that are released during the menstrual cycle. Prostaglandins help the uterus contract to shed its lining, but they can also affect other smooth muscles in the body, including those in the bladder. This can lead to a heightened sensation of urgency or the need to urinate more frequently.

Additionally, during menstruation, some women may experience water retention due to hormonal changes. As the body adjusts to these fluctuations, it may lead to a temporary increase in urine production once the menstrual flow begins. This can create a sensation of needing to urinate more often, even if fluid intake has been relatively low.

In your case, you mentioned that you consumed over 1000cc of water, which is a sufficient amount for hydration. However, if you were less active or had a lower fluid intake than usual prior to your period, your body might be reacting to the sudden change in hydration levels. It is also important to note that stress, anxiety, or discomfort associated with menstruation can further exacerbate the feeling of needing to urinate.

If you find that the frequent urination is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, burning sensation during urination, or changes in urine color, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. These could be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other underlying conditions that may require attention.

In summary, while frequent urination during menstruation can be normal due to hormonal changes and the effects of prostaglandins, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If the frequency persists beyond your menstrual cycle or is accompanied by discomfort, seeking medical advice would be prudent. Maintaining hydration and managing stress can also help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with menstruation and urinary frequency.

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