Period cramps or stomach pain?

Progesterone, which causes you to have menstrual cramps, can also be found in your colon as well. That's why your period cramps feel more intense since your uterus is literally near your bowels. That's also why you have diarrhea too or "period poop" as well. I read an article that your menstrual cycle can affect IBS since our hormones are out of whack during it. I have horrible cramps the first few days of my period. I drink a lot of water, which can help with the cramps. Sleeping in a fetal position can also help with the cramps as well since it puts less pressure on your abdomen.

No, mine always felt very different

Pretty much every month. 😛 I use an app to track my period, and there was one time I was having IBS symptoms and trying to figure out why, like, "I'm not stressed, I haven't had my triggers, I've been good, why me?" ... and then the period app popped up the notification, "your period is expected to start in two days." So. That question was answered. 😂