If you're having formed bowel movements more often, chances are you've made some change in your lifestyle. For example, you may be eating more whole grains, which raises how much fiber you get in your diet.
More-frequent bowel movements could also be caused by a mild illness that will take care of itself. If there are no other symptoms, you're probably in good health.
Diseases and other conditions that may cause frequent bowel movements and other symptoms include:
- Salmonella infection or other infections that may be caused by bacteria.
- Rotavirus or infections caused by other viruses.
- Giardia infection (giardiasis) or other infections caused by parasites.
- Irritable bowel syndrome — a group of symptoms that affect the stomach and intestines.
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea or other problems caused by medicines.
- Celiac disease
- Crohn's disease — which causes tissues in the digestive tract to become inflamed.
- Ulcerative colitis — a disease that causes ulcers and swelling called inflammation in the lining of the large intestine.
- Lactose intolerance
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) also known as overactive thyroid.
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Fiber. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/carbohydrates/fiber. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.
- Evaluation of the gatrointestinal patient. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/approach-to-the-gastrointestinal-patient/evaluation-of-the-gastrointestinal-patient?query=Evaluation%20of%20the%20GI%20patient. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.
- Symptoms and causes of celiac disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/about/. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.
- Symptoms and causes of irritable bowel syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.
- Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/all-content. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). American College of Gastroenterology. https://gi.org/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.
- Ferri FF. Lactose intolerance. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2025. Elsevier; 2025. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 10, 2024.