Change in Stool Consistency
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Mucus in stool
Slimy poop
Hard and dry poop
Stools look like mud
Funny looking poop
Thin stools
Stringy poop
Excess fat in stools
Malabsorption
Long and thin poo
Pencil thin stools
Slimy stuff in my poop
About the Symptom
Stools should be soft and pass easily. Hard, dry stools indicates constipation whereas diarrhea is loose, watery stools. The Bristol Stool Chart (https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/poop-chart-bristol-stool-scale) is a visual tool for identifying different stool shapes.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Hematochezia (rectal bleeding)
- Recent weight loss
- Lower abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss of 5% or more in 1 month
Possible Causes
Generally, Change in stool consistency can be related to:
- Ulcerative Colitis
An inflammatory condition of the large intestine that damages the gut wall. The exact cause is not well known.
- Crohn's Disease
It is an inflammatory condition of the gut. It is part of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. It can affect anywhere from the mouth to the anus (end of the bowel).The exact cause is not well known.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A condition with recurring episodes of abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is diagnosed when no clear cause can be found despite investigations. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but stress and certain foods are known to cause flare-ups.
- Constipation
- Gastritis
- Colon Cancer
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Anal Cancer
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Change in stool consistency may be related to these serious diseases:
- Perianal Abscess
A buildup of pus near the anus, more common in patients with diabetes, obesity, or certain conditions causing gut ulcers.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you noticed any changes in the shape of your stool?
- Are your stools greasy and smelly?
- Is there mucus in your stools?
- Is your stool thin and narrow like a pencil?
- How often do you experience an abnormal stool shape?
Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Jan 30, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Long and thin stool
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- Smaller caliber poo
- Stools high in fat
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FAQs
Q.
IBS Stool Changes: What Every Woman Over 65 Must Know
A.
IBS stool changes in women over 65 often include hard pellet-like or loose watery stools that may alternate day to day, mucus, urgency, and a sense of incomplete emptying, but there are several factors to consider. These patterns are commonly tied to slower gut movement with age, medication effects, pelvic floor changes, and diet or hydration, and while IBS does not damage the intestines, it can be managed with gradual soluble fiber like psyllium, good hydration, regular bowel habits, stress reduction, and clinician guided medicines. Importantly, red flags such as blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent nighttime diarrhea, sudden new changes after 60, severe pain, ongoing constipation, or iron deficiency anemia need prompt medical care; see below for specific warning signs, tracking tools, and step by step guidance on when to speak to a doctor.
References:
* Shah ED, Singh M, Chey WD. Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Older Adults: Diagnosis and Management. Am J Gastroenterol. 2018 Jan;113(1):15-26. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2017.382. PMID: 29135408.
* Heitkemper MM, Jarrett M, Jun J, Cain KC, Burr RL, Levy RL. Irritable bowel syndrome in women: a review of current understanding and future directions. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2017 May;26(5):486-499. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2016.6025. PMID: 28414457.
* Ruigómez A, García Rodríguez LA, Wallander MA, Johansson S. Prevalence of bowel symptoms in elderly patients: a population-based survey. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010 Nov;22(11):1323-9. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e32833d7634. PMID: 20622699.
* Lovell RM, Ford AC. Functional gastrointestinal disorders in older adults: a review. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2017 Jul;10(7):599-613. doi: 10.1177/1756283X17711466. PMID: 28729863.
* Pimentel M, Lembo A, Chey WD, et al. Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Older Adults: A Clinician's Guide. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020 Feb;115(2):207-219. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000527. PMID: 31834167.
Q.
Is Mucus in Stool Normal? A Guide for Women’s Digestive Health
A.
A small amount of mucus in stool can be normal, but persistent or increasing mucus, especially with blood, pain, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, fever, weight loss, or fatigue, needs medical attention. In women, hormones, diet, stress, constipation or diarrhea, IBS, and infections are common contributors, while conditions like IBD or colorectal issues are less common but important to rule out. There are several factors to consider; see below for color clues, when to see a doctor, and practical first steps that can guide your next healthcare decisions.
References:
* Kamada N, Nagaishi T, Okamoto S, Kim YG, Shibuya T, Manabe I, Inoue I, Kitazono T, Takeda K, Honda K. Gut microbiota modulation of intestinal mucus barrier in health and disease. Gut. 2020 Jan;69(1):151-163. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318464. Epub 2019 Jun 28. PMID: 31253755.
* Johansson ME, Hansson GC. The intestinal mucus layer in health and disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015 May;12(5):257-67. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2015.66. Epub 2015 Apr 14. PMID: 25870028.
* Johansson MEV, Hansson GC. The physiological role of intestinal mucus in health and disease. Gastroenterology. 2011 May;140(6):1715-28. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.02.049. PMID: 21371569.
* Ford AC, Lacy BE, Talley NJ. Irritable bowel syndrome: diagnosis and management. BMJ. 2021 Jan 27;372:n11. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n11. PMID: 33504543.
* Abraham C, Cho JH. Inflammatory bowel disease. Lancet. 2017 Jul 15;390(10091):241-254. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31316-7. Epub 2016 Oct 20. PMID: 27771037; PMCID: PMC5557723.
Q.
Mucus in Stool in Females: Causes, Hormonal Links, and When to Worry
A.
Mucus in stool in females is often due to IBS, constipation, or normal hormonal shifts around periods, pregnancy, or menopause, but it can also follow infections, food reactions, or less commonly inflammatory bowel disease. There are several factors to consider. Seek care if you notice blood, persistent diarrhea, severe or worsening pain, fever, weight loss, or nighttime bowel movements. See below for a fuller list of causes, hormonal links, what mucus color can suggest, stress connections, and the exact warning signs that should guide your next steps.
References:
* Mulak A, Taché Y, Larauche M. Sex hormones and the irritable bowel syndrome. Gland Surg. 2014 Dec;3(4):303-10. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2227-684X.2014.11.02. PMID: 25610860; PMCID: PMC4287815.
* Chang L, Lee S, Naliboff B, Mayer EA. Gender differences in the prevalence and pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 Mar;5(3):297-30 gender. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2006.09.020. PMID: 17307005.
* Chatzikokkinou S, Tziomalos K, Chatzikokkinou T, Gabriel L, Kontzoglou K. Estrogen and progesterone receptors in the human colon: an immunohistochemical study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2004 Apr;16(4):427-31. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200404000-00017. PMID: 15028919.
* Levy RL, Olden KW, Naliboff BD, Bradley LA, Drossman DA, Creed F, Toner BB, Whitehead WE. Gender differences in functional gastrointestinal disorders: a review. Gend Med. 2006 Dec;3(4):216-29. doi: 10.1016/s1550-8579(06)80228-7. PMID: 17290130.
* Swartz MN, Piana J, Johnson R. Mucus in stool: an evaluation of the diagnostic implications. J Gen Intern Med. 1999 Apr;14(4):216-21. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1999.00318.x. PMID: 10214643; PMCID: PMC1496582.
Q.
Understanding Mucus in Stool: From IBS to Pregnancy and Menstrual Cycles
A.
There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Mucus in stool is often related to IBS, menstrual cycle shifts, pregnancy, constipation, or short-term infections, and color can offer clues, with clear or white more common in IBS or hormonal changes and yellow or green suggesting infection. Red flags include mucus with blood, symptoms lasting more than a few weeks, weight loss, fever, or significant abdominal pain, especially in pregnancy; find practical self-care steps and how to decide on next medical steps below.
References:
* Bharadwaj S, Barto P. Mucosal Barrier Function in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Jul 25;9:949439. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.949439. PMID: 35957884; PMCID: PMC9358245.
* Zingone F, Gribovskaja-Rupp I, D'Amato F, et al. Irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy: a systematic review. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf). 2023 Apr 19;11:goad020. doi: 10.1093/gastro/goad020. PMID: 37075727; PMCID: PMC10115089.
* Chowdhury UR, Dutta S, Chaudhury S. Menstrual cycle and gastrointestinal function. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2016 May 2;9:251-64. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S100223. PMID: 27170889; PMCID: PMC4859013.
* Evers EC, van den Haak L, Roes EM, Bakker J, de Groot J. Gastrointestinal Complaints During Pregnancy: A Population-Based Study. Dig Dis Sci. 2021 Mar;66(3):1021-1029. doi: 10.1007/s10620-020-06297-3. Epub 2020 May 16. PMID: 32418049; PMCID: PMC7956877.
* Pelaseyev N, Hansson GC. The mucus layer in inflammatory bowel disease: Pathophysiology and new therapeutic avenues. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2022 Dec;65:42-49. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.06.002. Epub 2022 Jul 18. PMID: 35863261; PMCID: PMC9689531.
Q.
Why Is There Mucus in My Stool? 7 Causes and Female-Specific Triggers
A.
Mucus in stool can be normal in small amounts, but frequent or visible mucus is most often linked to IBS, infections, constipation, food sensitivities, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, and female factors like menstrual shifts, pregnancy, endometriosis, or pelvic floor issues. There are several factors to consider. See below for red flags that need urgent care such as blood, black stools, fever, severe pain, weight loss, or persistent diarrhea, plus female-specific patterns, how doctors evaluate this, and practical next steps.
References:
* Johansson ME, Hansson GC. Mucus production and function in the gastrointestinal tract. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 May;8(5):279-89. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2011.60. Epub 2011 Apr 12. PMID: 21487421.
* Kim YS, Ho SB. Mucus and mucins in inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2011 Jan;17(1):441-55. doi: 10.1002/ibd.21376. PMID: 20658485.
* Ohman L, Simrén M. Mucus production in irritable bowel syndrome. J Gastroenterol. 2007 Nov;42 Suppl 18:61-5. doi: 10.1007/s00535-007-2009-4. PMID: 17987295.
* Freedman SB, Khan R, Osterholm MT. Acute gastroenteritis in adults: etiology, diagnosis, and management. Am J Med. 2014 Mar;127(3):194-202. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2013.09.006. PMID: 24269176.
* Remorgida V, Abrao MS, Camargo C, de Lorenzo C, Nogueira D, Aliev A, Koninckx PR. Gastrointestinal tract endometriosis: a systematic review. Gut. 2008 Feb;57(2):270-7. doi: 10.1136/gut.2007.140882. Epub 2007 Oct 25. PMID: 17962450.
Q.
When do zepbound side effects start?
A.
Side effects commonly begin within the first few days after your first Zepbound injection and within 2 to 7 days of each dose increase; injection site reactions can start within hours. GI symptoms usually peak early and often improve within 1 to 2 weeks, with far fewer new symptoms once the dose has been stable for 8 to 12 weeks. There are several factors to consider, including timing around dose escalations and when to seek care for severe or persistent symptoms, so see below for important details that may influence next steps like meal strategies, hydration, OTC options, dose adjustments, and contacting your clinician.
References:
Rosenstock J, et al. (2021). Once-weekly tirzepatide versus semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-2): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial … N Engl J Med, 34504404.
Frias JP, et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide monotherapy versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-1): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial … Lancet, 34087139.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2018). EASL clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Journal of Hepatology, 30345357.
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Bristol Stool Chart
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/poop-chart-bristol-stool-scale