Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ Ep. 576 "You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong!” – The Shocking Reason For Chronic Constipation & Bloating with Dr. Trisha Pasricha
Apr 4, 2026
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, gastroenterologist and neurogastroenterology researcher at Harvard, walks through the science and stigma of poop. Short, clear takes on stress and the gut-brain connection. Practical tips for travel constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction. A focused look at menopause-related bowel changes, rising early colorectal cancer risks, and why fiber matters.
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Normalize Plain Language About Pooping
- Women often internalize shame around bodily functions which prevents open conversations about poop and healthcare.
- Dr. Trisha Pasricha intentionally uses plain language like "poop" to make patients comfortable and elicit honest symptom reports.
Stress Physically Changes Gut Motility
- Stress causes real, measurable changes in gut motility: it slows the stomach and speeds the colon.
- These gut changes are physiologic, not "all in your head," and can become chronic in disorders like IBS.
Stop Chasing Once A Day Poop
- Normal bowel frequency ranges widely; comfort and social timing matter more than a fixed number.
- Americans' normal spans three times daily to once every three days; treat changes only if they cause worry or dysfunction.
