Not Regular with Your Bowel Movements? Know When to See a Doctor

We get it — most people don’t enjoy talking about bowel movements. If you’ve been dealing with constipation, diarrhea, or changes in your normal routine, you may be tempted to ignore them and hope everything returns to normal on its own. Sometimes it does.

But when digestive changes linger, they need attention.

At Michigan Avenue Primary Care, we know these conversations can feel uncomfortable. They’re also some of the most important conversations we have. Changes in your bowel habits can provide valuable clues about your digestive health and, in some cases, your overall health.

What counts as “irregular”?

We don’t define irregular bowel movements by a specific number but by a persistent change from what’s normal for you.

That might include:

• Constipation or difficulty passing stool
• Diarrhea that keeps coming back
• Alternating between constipation and diarrhea
• A sudden increase or decrease in how often you have a bowel movement
• Changes in the size, shape, or consistency of your stool

Occasional fluctuations are common, especially after travel, illness, or dietary changes. But symptoms that persist for several weeks deserve medical attention.

What could be causing the change?

Many different conditions can affect your bowel habits. Sometimes the cause is simple. Other times, it requires further evaluation.

Common possibilities include:

Diet and hydration

Not getting enough fiber or fluids is one of the leading causes of constipation. Likewise, certain foods, alcohol, excessive caffeine, or sudden dietary changes can trigger diarrhea or other digestive symptoms.

Stress

Your brain and digestive tract are closely connected. Periods of increased stress or anxiety can speed up or slow down digestion, leading to changes in bowel habits that often improve once stress is better managed.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common digestive disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating episodes of both. Although IBS doesn’t damage the digestive tract, its symptoms can significantly affect daily life.

Medications

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect digestion. Pain medications, iron supplements, certain antacids, antibiotics, and some diabetes medications are just a few examples.

Underlying medical conditions

Persistent bowel changes may also be associated with conditions such as thyroid disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, food intolerances, or colorectal disease.

That’s why it’s important not to dismiss symptoms that continue without an obvious explanation.

When should you see a doctor?

Occasional constipation or diarrhea usually isn’t an emergency. However, you should schedule an appointment if:

• Your bowel habits have changed for more than two to three weeks
• You’re experiencing persistent constipation or diarrhea
• You have ongoing abdominal pain or bloating
• You notice blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
• You’re losing weight without trying
• Your symptoms are interfering with your daily activities

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean something serious is wrong, but you shouldn’t ignore them.

How we can help

At Michigan Avenue Primary Care, we begin by listening.

We’ll talk with you about your symptoms, diet, medications, lifestyle, and medical history before performing a thorough evaluation. Depending on what we find, we may recommend laboratory testing through our diagnostic testing services, review your current medications, or discuss dietary and lifestyle changes that may improve your symptoms.

If your symptoms require additional evaluation, we can also coordinate referrals to the appropriate specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

If you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, significant dehydration, or other urgent digestive concerns, our immediate care services can provide prompt evaluation and treatment.

Your body is telling you something

It’s tempting to ignore digestive changes, but when a change in your bowel habits persists, it’s your body’s way of telling you that something deserves attention. The sooner you know the cause of your symptoms, the quicker you can start feeling better.

If you’ve noticed you’re no longer “regular,” schedule an appointment with Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Chicago’s The Loop. We work with you to identify the cause and develop a personalized plan to get your digestive health back on track.