Bloating is a common and often frustrating experience for women. You might find your jeans fit perfectly one moment and then feel tight the next. If you’re a woman, you’ve likely dealt with this more times than you’d prefer. So, why does bloating happen, and what can you do about it?
Why Do Women Experience More Bloating?
Bloating happens when your digestive system has too much gas or fluid, causing your stomach to feel tight or swollen. Both men and women can experience bloating, but women’s hormones often make it more frequent and intense.
1. Hormonal Changes During the Menstrual Cycle
Bloating can vary at different times of the month due to hormonal changes.
- Before your period (PMS phase): Higher oestrogen causes your body to retain more water and salt, leading to bloating.
- During your period: Lower progesterone can slow digestion, causing gas and constipation.
- After your period: As hormones balance, bloating generally decreases.
2. Perimenopause and Menopause
Hormonal changes don’t stop after your menstrual cycle. During perimenopause and menopause, decreasing oestrogen can slow digestion and increase sensitivity to certain foods, causing persistent bloating.
3. Hormonal Conditions like PCOS and Endometriosis
Conditions such as PCOS and Endometriosis can lead to chronic bloating due to inflammation and hormonal imbalances. If you frequently experience painful bloating, it may be beneficial to discuss these conditions with a healthcare provider.
Managing Hormonal Bloating
Bloating doesn’t have to be a constant problem. Here are strategies to help manage it:
1. Diet Adjustments
- Reduce Salt: High salt intake causes your body to hold onto water, worsening bloating.
- Increase Fiber: Foods like oats, flaxseeds, and leafy greens improve digestion and prevent constipation.
- Avoid Triggers: Carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, and some vegetables can increase gas.
2. Supporting Gut Health
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps flush out excess salt and supports digestion.
- Consider Probiotics: They help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, reducing bloating.
3. Physical Activity
- Engage in gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, to help digestion and reduce fluid retention.
4. Stress Management
- High stress can negatively affect digestion, causing bloating. Deep breathing and meditation can help manage stress-related bloating.
Feel Better and More Comfortable
Bloating is common, but you can take steps to manage it. Understanding how hormones interact with digestion is crucial for improving your comfort. Digestive offers specific solutions for women to help with bloating. Reach out to us today to find a remedy that suits you.
