Changes during the menstrual cycle can cause symptoms, such as bloating.
When the egg is released,fluid or bloodfrom the follicle can irritate the tissues around it.
Water Retention
Body composition fluctuations can happen during the menstrual cycle, including fluid retention.
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This fluid retention can lead to feelings of bloating.
The main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone, have been linked towater retention.
This can cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating and pelvic pain.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Bloating is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome.
PMS happens after ovulation and before your period, whenestrogen and progesterone levelsbegin falling.
Symptoms ease within a few days of the start of menstruation as hormone levels rise again.
Not everyone who has a menstrual cycle experiences PMS, and the severity of symptoms can vary.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cystsare small fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside an ovary.
Bigger cysts can impact the bowel and bladder, and cause swelling and pressure.
It can cause symptoms such as:
“Endo belly” is severe bloating related to endometriosis.
It can cause extremely painful abdominal distention.
It can be triggered by factors such as:
When Is Bloating an Emergency?
Some conditions that cause bloating can become a medical emergency.
Ovarian cysts canrupture (burst), which can cause fluid and blood to be released into the abdomen.
This is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.
Larger cysts can causeovarian torsion(when a cyst twists around its supporting ligaments).
This can block blood flow to the ovary, which can cause damage and be dangerous.
Pregnancy dating starts from the first day of your last period.
A missed menstrual period is often the first sign of pregnancy.
If one technique doesn’t help, try another to see if it can offer relief.
While it sounds counterintuitive, staying hydrated can help ease water retention.
Avoid or limit the following types of beverages:
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly can help withbloatingand digestion.
Exercise can also relieve other symptoms of PMS.
If you are experiencing PMS, your healthcare provider may recommend hormonal birth control to ease symptoms.
Be cautious with products that are advertised to help PMS.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using these products.
Magnesiumsupplementsmay help with water retention and bloating, breast tenderness, and mood symptoms.
Vitamin B6 may help with PMS symptoms such as bloating, and with some mental and emotional symptoms.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to avoid side effects and interactions.
Summary
Bloating with ovulation can be influenced by factors such as hormones.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, persistent, unexplained, or bothering you.
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