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Is Bloating A Sign Of Period

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How Can You Help Yourself If You Suffer From Bloating

Why you’re bloated (+ how to fix it)ð¤°ð?»

In order to get rid of bloating, it is of key importance to eat slowly and chew the food well and at the same time to remove or limit the intake of foodstuffs you dont consider to be good for your body. We also advise you to exercise regularly and pay attention to regular digestion and thats also where Donat can help you.

Pregnancy Sign: Lower Pelvic Cramping

Pelvic cramping as an early pregnancy sign? Yep, it can be, according to Nordahl. That might seem counterintuitive, as cramps are super-typical symptoms of Aunt Flow. You were probably hoping that being pregnant meant you could kiss cramps goodbye, but sadly thats not the case. Light cramps can be caused by early pregnancy hormonal shifts and implantation of the fertilized egg on your uterine lining.

Recommended Reading: Can Birth Control Stop My Period

What Even Are Prostaglandins

Yep, the partys not ready without prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are eicosanoids but since this is not a pop-quiz, lets just say that they act just like hormones, but arent hormones. Prostaglandins help your uterus contract to shed its lining every month, since one of their functions is to help muscles contract. Well, it happens that sometimes prostaglandins cause your intestines to contract as well, and this worsens gas build-up. And this is how you get bloating.As you can see, a powerful combination of oestrogen, progesterone and prostaglandins is causing you to be bloated and gassy during your period. Sometimes birth control helps, but you should talk to your doctor.

Also Check: What To Eat To Cure Leaky Gut

Progesterone Estrogen And Bloating

Progesterone and estrogen are two hormones that fluctuate during a menstrual cycle that have significant impact on a womans fluid retention.

Elevated estrogen levels just before a period can cause women to retain more water than usual.4 A drop in the hormone progesterone, which helps to rid the body of excess salt and fluid, means that that water retention may lead to bloating in the days leading up to a period.4 Cells retain more water than they normally do, which can lead to a distended, uncomfortable feeling in the belly, as well as the fingers and feet.2

At other points in the cycle, a build-up of progesterone, which is also responsible for the growth and thickening of the uterine wall, can lead to dry stools and constipation.3

Fluid retention and constipation can both lead to painful, prolonged period bloating.5

Is Bloating One Of The First Signs Of Pregnancy

Holistic Hormone Nutrition on Instagram: PMS BLOATING

Bloating can be one of the first signs of pregnancy, but it can also be caused by bad diet, allergies or different health conditions. If you are sexually active and you dont have any digestion problems, we definitely recommend that you to take a pregnancy test and check if you are pregnant in case of prolonged bloating and possible additional signs.

Read Also: Does Acv Help With Bloating

Why Does Period Bloating Happen In The First Place

You can thank fluctuations in estrogen levels and a sharp drop in progesterone right before your period. “When estrogen levels are higher, our bodies tend to retain water,” says Meggie Smith, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, and infertility at the University of Southern California.

Progesterone, which is high in the latter half of your cycle, can make for a slower digestive tract, so to speak, which also may not help symptoms of bloating or fullness, she adds. Basically, it’s a bloating double-whammy.

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Bloating usually starts to kick in about one to two days before the start of a woman’s period, according to the Mayo Clinic. But some women experience symptoms up to five days beforehand, often interfering with normal activities. Period bloating will typically go away once you’ve been menstruating for a few days.

When To Speak With A Doctor

People may wish to see a healthcare professional if they have PMS symptoms that affect their daily life, if the symptoms occur outside of their period, or if they experience any sudden or dramatic changes to PMS or period symptoms.

If a person expects to have a period, but it does not arrive, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential causes. They may recommend a pregnancy test if someone could be pregnant or other tests if pregnancy is not the cause.

Heavy bleeding and severe abdominal cramping can indicate pregnancy complications, such as pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy. Contact a provider immediately if a pregnant person experiences any of the following symptoms:

Also Check: Can Ibs Go Away Over Time

Bloating And Gas During Your Period

And lastly, to touch on another slightly uncomfortable situation bloating and gas during your period. Eek!

You see, during PMS, theres a high chance of experiencing gastrointestinal issues. These kinds of issues are similar to IBS , and the symptoms usually include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and/or excess gas.

So, just like period bloating, we have the intestines and the fluctuation of hormones to blame when it comes to passing more gas before and during your period. Basically, bloating and having excess gas often go hand-in-hand when it comes to PMS and periods, unfortunately.

The good news is, by following some of the tips weve provided above, you can not only perhaps reduce or eliminate period bloating but also, passing excess gas.

Signs Of Period Coming But No Period

5 Signs Your FIRST Period is Coming! (how to tell) | Just Sharon

If you experience signs of period coming but no period, then it may be due to pregnancy.

Pregnancy may cause you to have signs of period Headache and cramps, but no period coming.

If pregnant, you may experience brown spotting before period or sometimes an unusual early light period.

Are you getting tired easily? Do you feel like vomiting? Are you craving for a specific kind of diet? Then its possible you may be pregnant.

Other causes of signs ofperiod coming but no period are stress, weight loss, contraceptive pills, obesity, weight loss, ovarian cyst and polycystic ovarian disease.

Read Also: Does Collagen Make You Bloated

How To Treat Bloating

In order to treat occasional bloating that appears due to pregnancy or other causes, you can try the following methods:

  • eat slowly: as you read above, eating quickly leads to swallowing a lot of air, so try to take your time while you eating to decrease the chances of bloating
  • avoid chewing gum: chewing gum simply leads to swallowing too much air, which might make your symptoms even worse
  • eat smaller meals: people experiencing bloating are often more sensitive to having food in their stomachs, which is why eating smaller portions can alleviate some problems
  • take supplements: taking probiotics or digestive enzyme supplements can help you overcome bloating and reduce the symptoms of gas or other digestive problems
  • prevent constipation: constipation can make bloating symptoms even worse, so make sure you drink enough water, stay active and read about other tips that can help you fight against constipation.
  • drink mineral water: like Donat! Its health benefits have been scientifically proven, as it draws the water from the intestinal wall, increasing the volume of the intestinal content, putting more pressure on the intestinal wall, and thus helping ease the way to unblocked bowels.

Bloating is an extremely common symptom of various conditions, and you can also feel bloated when pregnant.

What Is Period Bloating

In general, bloating is when ones belly feels full and tight. Having said that, anyone can experience bloating. But generally when one is experiencing, or about to experience, that time of the month, period bloating is a big annoyance and sometimes, a concern. Period bloating is a symptom of PMS , and often invites a slew of other uncomfortable side effects along with it. Physical symptoms such as stomach cramps, headaches, food cravings, swollen breasts, and backache are common, yes, but there are also mental side effects of period bloating such as having lower self-confidence, mood swings, and feeling a lower sense of wellbeing.

And actually, up to 85 percent of women experience PMS symptoms, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These arent lovely odds, are they? So instead of simply chalking it up to one of the irritations of being of the fairer sex, why not try to make life a lot easier and more manageable? Lets explore ways to ease symptoms of PMS, especially of period bloating, shall we?

Also Check: What Supplements Can Cause Constipation

Cut Back On Caffeine And Alcohol

Pre-menstrually, alcohol can enhance PMS symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, and bloating, says Dr. Bitner. And coffee can overstimulate the digestive tract and irritate the bowels, not to mention dehydrate you, which causes you to retain water. Hey, you’ll save some serious $$ by bypassing your morning latte too.

Warning Signs And Symptoms

9 Most Common Symptoms of PMS

Weight loss is one of the main warning signs for serious bloating. If you find yourself losing more than a few pounds without changing your diet or starting a new exercise regimen, that should be cause for concern, especially if its 10 percent or more of your body weight. Weight loss can be caused by tumors that press on the intestines, making you feel full after just a small amount of food, or from substances secreted by tumors that suppress your appetite.

Ascites is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen or pelvis. It can cause bloating, weight gain, and a rapidly expanding waistline. Ascites is usually caused by liver disease, but cancer is the culprit about 10 percent of the time. A large amount of fluid can make you look and feel like youre several months pregnant. The combination of bloating and jaundice, which turns the eyes and skin yellow, can be a sign of cancer thats spread to the liver, although it can also occur with more benign forms of liver disease like hepatitis.

Blood in your stool, vaginal bleeding in between periods, or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can all be associated with serious bloating. Fortunately, the most common causes of these symptoms arent the most serious, but bleeding should always be evaluated because it can be a sign of cancer, particularly colon or uterine cancer.

Read Also: Can Gas X Cause Constipation

Is Bloating A Serious Symptom

In most cases, mild to moderate bloating is not a sign of a serious problem. It might simply be a side effect of your period or pregnancy. Often, bloating is an indication of an unbalanced diet or dietary intolerance.

Irritable bowel syndrome is another common cause. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle, bowel movements, and daily food intake can help to identify any correlations. However, if you are experiencing severe, persistent bloating, particularly when accompanied by nausea, vomiting, intense pain, or unexplained weight loss, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

While bloating is only rarely a cause of serious concern, it can be a symptom of ovarian cancer, bowel obstruction, or Crohns disease.

Natural Solutions For Period Bloating

As a naturopath, I always approach healing from a holistic perspective. To facilitate healing we need to address the root cause of the issue, while also making the journey easier by addressing the symptoms in a way that does not suppress them. At the end of the day, our body gives us symptoms like bloating to let us know that something is out of balance. It is a great opportunity for us to address our health and feel better from the inside out.

1. Keep a food diary and keep pooping!

It can be really helpful to keep a food diary if you are experiencing symptoms of bloating. Keep note of what you eat and when your bloating occurs. This way you can see if any foods are triggering the bloating and you can see when exactly the bloating occurs. Bear in mind that a food that doesn’t bother your body during the rest of your cycle may prove a beast to deal with in your pre-menstrual week. Once you track this it can be easier to know what foods are good to avoid in the premenstrual days in order to reduce the bloat.

2. Track your menstrual cycle

This can be a really helpful way of building awareness of what your body needs throughout your cycle. One of the wonders of menstrual cycle awareness and cycle mapping is that it gives us very clear feedback about when we need to rest more. Many apps and downloaded charts are available online to track your cycle and books like Wild Power and Womancode are great resources.

3. Minimise salt and sugar intake and stay hydrated

Recommended Reading: How To Help Ibs Symptoms

When Does Period Bloating Occur

Youll likely experience bloating well before the start of your period. Bloating is considered a very common symptom of PMS. Symptoms of PMS can begin a week or two before your period starts. You may bloat every month, once in a while, or not at all. Relief from bloating may occur immediately after you start your period or a few days into it.

You may have other PMS symptoms. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists state that up to 85 percent of women report physical symptoms related to their period. Besides bloating, other common symptoms include:

Cook At Home More Often

Bloating | How To Get Rid Of Bloating | Reduce Bloating

Of course, not everyone has the time or ability to make home-cooked meals nightly. But when you can, try to make it a habit, as making your own meals can drastically decrease bloating.

People are often unaware of hidden salt in restaurant meals, as well as in processed foods, Dr. Streicher says. Of course, thats why restaurant meals taste so good, but if you do your own cooking you can make sure not to over-salt your food, which can make a huge difference as far as keeping bloating down.

Recommended Reading: Do Probiotics Prevent Yeast Infections

How Can You Get Rid Of Period Bloating

If bloating before and/or during your period is an issue for you, try to avoid foods that are known to cause or increase the frequency and severity of bloating. If you do need a salty snack, try to consume those foods in moderation. Reducing salt intake can decrease water retention, and the body will respond with a diminished sensation of feeling bloating, Dr. Karen Patrusky, MD, tells Woman’s Day.

Instead, Patrusky says you should eat foods that are high in potassium, like bananas and avocados, as well as foods that are high in magnesium, like nuts and seeds. Foods that are natural diuretics like asparagus, cucumber, ginger, and watermelon can also help relieve uncomfortable bloating. And, of course, drinking plenty of water can help flush out your kidneys and improve your period symptoms.

Patrusky also suggests you get your sweat on to reduce bloating, even if you’re feeling less than up to it. Exercise can improve energy and mood by increasing endorphins, she says. Exercise also induces sweat, encourages hydration, and makes us more mindful about what foods we put into our bodies.

If that isnt working, you can also try your hand at a few over-the-counter medication. If your symptoms are notable, they may warrant a medication, such as Midol Complete, which provides multi-symptom period and PMS relief including cramps and bloating, Dweck says. Birth control pills have also been helpful for some women to minimize PMS symptoms.

Get Ready Here It Comes

Knowing when the bloat is about to begin can help you take steps to stop it before it starts or at least keep the pressure and puff to a minimum. In general, you can count on PMS symptoms to start up around 5 days before your period is expected to start and ease up around when your period arrives.

Of course, every womans cycle and pre-period experience are a little different. If you track your symptoms for a few months, chances are youll start to uncover a pattern for when your bloating typically starts up.

Keep a journal or use a period tracker app as long as youre consistent about recording your symptoms, either will get the job done.

Read Also: How To Reduce Bloating From Vegetables

Is Bloating A Sign Of Period Or Pregnancy

Bloating could be a symptom of either PMS or early pregnancy. Bloating before and during a period is triggered by changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal changes in early pregnancy also cause a feeling of bloating, similar to common symptoms just before the start of your period. Bloating in early pregnancy makes some people feel more snug than usual in their clothes.

What Is Bloating Like In Pregnancy

Holistic Hormone Nutrition on Instagram: PERIOD BLOATING

Pregnancy bloating typically gets worse during the third trimester, but it can also be an early pregnancy symptom.

Unlike period bloating, however, bloating from pregnancy doesnt typically start before the 4th week.

Because pregnancies are counted from the date of your last period, the earliest you can expect to experience pregnancy bloating is around the time youd get your period .

66% of pregnant women were affected by bloating during their first trimester.

While period bloating is often accompanied by cramping, breast tenderness and perhaps mild swelling, early pregnancy bloating is likely to come with painful breasts that are significantly fuller in size.

Usually, bloating accompanied by nausea would be cause for concern, but this can also be an early sign of pregnancy. You could experience nausea as a PMS symptom too, but nausea caused by pregnancy is usually more severe.

If your nausea is severe enough to limit your appetite, you might find that your bloating is accompanied by weight loss.

Severe fatigue is also a common early pregnancy sign that might hit you at roughly the same time as bloating, while the fatigue accompanying period bloat is often not as overwhelming.

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