What causes blood in the stool and rectal bleeding?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been suffering from chronic constipation for a year. I underwent a colonoscopy and CT Bowel, and everything was normal. My doctor told me that it could be due to perimenopause and changing hormone levels. For the past five weeks, I have been experiencing some rectal bleeding and blood in my stool. I had a rectal examination done, and a small external hemorrhoid was found. Sometimes I would pass large amounts of stool, usually big soft poops. Everything subsided gradually until last week. I was only passing rabbit poo type of stools and took Laxido powder. I did have a big, massive, soft stool yesterday with some blood in it, which may be due to constipation. Today, the stool was soft with blood as well. I had a qFIT test done five weeks ago, and it was positive. The doctor assured me it was not a matter of concern. Do you think this is anything to be worried about? Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It is possible that the rectal bleeding and small amounts of blood in your stool could be caused by the external hemorrhoid that you mentioned. However, it is also important to note that the quantitative fecal immunochemical test (qFIT) test came back positive. This could be a sign of low-grade inflammation in your colon, which could potentially lead to more serious issues if left untreated.

Given your history of chronic constipation and the fact that you have been experiencing worsening symptoms as you progress through menopause, hormonal changes may be contributing to your digestive issues. However, it is also important to rule out other potential causes, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In light of these concerns, I would recommend following up with your doctor and discussing the possibility of further testing, such as a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, to thoroughly investigate the cause of your symptoms. While virtual colonoscopy may be an option, it is generally less invasive and less comprehensive than traditional colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, so it may not be the best choice for fully evaluating your condition.

In the meantime, I would also suggest making some lifestyle changes to help alleviate your constipation and improve your overall digestive health. This could include increasing your fiber intake, staying hydrated, and incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Additionally, you may want to consider working with a registered dietitian or a healthcare provider who specializes in digestive health to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.