Colon Cleanse ?

Okay, so I’m thinking about doing this to help with gas and other intestinal problems, but I’m reading descriptions about it, but they all seem like a fancy laxative to me. Are they really effective, or are they just laxatives with fancy labeling?
Also, I’m curious about how this stuff works with women when they’re on their cycle. Most of them are about a month long, so it would inevitably intercede with my cycle and I’m wondering how the two go together (if you get my drift).
If this doesn’t make any sense just drop me a line, but any suggestions or help here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!