Ladies, let’s talk about bloating!
For many women, menstrual bloating is an unavoidable monthly occurrence. As hormone levels fluctuate leading up to your period, you may notice your belly getting puffier and your jeans fitting more snugly. This swelling is often accompanied by breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Which can be alleviated with the use of Embrace Womanhood Pads.
However, it’s important to remember that bloating is simply a normal part of having a menstrual cycle. These physical and emotional changes don’t define you. With some self-care strategies and perspective shifts, you can move through this time with grace, and Essentials sanitary pads can offer you the comfort and protection you need.
Why Bloating Happen?
Bloating is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstruation for many women. The main cause is hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle.
In the luteal phase, which is the week or two before your period, rising progesterone levels cause the body to retain more fluid and salt. This leads to water weight gain and a bloated abdomen. Estrogen also peaks right before your period, which can trigger inflammation and cause temporary fluid accumulation.
Once menstruation starts, progesterone and estrogen levels drop rapidly. This shift triggers prostaglandins release, which are hormone-like substances that cause stronger contractions in the uterus. These contractions can displace gas and stool in the digestive tract, leading to a bloated and uncomfortable feeling.
The rise and fall of reproductive hormones during the menstrual cycle is a normal process but can disrupt fluid balance in the body and cause temporary abdominal bloating. Being aware of the hormonal link helps explain why bloating is such a common PMS and menstrual complaint.
Bloating Doesn’t Have to Mean Discomfort
While bloating can certainly cause physical discomfort, there are ways to find relief during that time of the month.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid anything too tight around your waist or abdomen. Flowy dresses and skirts are great options.
- Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen. The warmth can help relax cramping and tension.
- Consider an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and discomfort. Always follow dosage instructions.
- Massage the area gently with small circular motions. This increases blood flow which can provide soothing relief.
- Try relaxing in a warm bath with Epsom salt. Magnesium-rich Epsom salt can help relax muscles.
- Stretch gently and practice light yoga poses that open up the abdomen and lower back. Child’s pose, cat/cow, and knee-to-chest are all good options.
- Get enough rest. Fatigue can exacerbate physical discomfort, so listen to your body.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration worsens cramps and bloating.
- Use a heating pad or ice pack on your lower back if needed. Back pain often accompanies abdominal bloating.
- Take slow, deep breaths. Stress and tension amplify discomfort. Deep breathing can help you relax.
Mindset is Everything
PMS-related bloating can take a real toll on your self-confidence. Between an upset stomach, water retention causing puffiness, and temporary weight gain, it’s easy to feel like your body is against you once a month. But maintaining a positive mindset during this time can make a huge difference.
It’s important to remember that what you’re experiencing is completely normal for people who menstruate. Try not to beat yourself up or dwell on feeling unattractive. Remind yourself this is temporary and caused by hormonal fluctuations, not anything you did. Don’t obsess over the number on the scale during this time, as it’s simply related to water retention and will go back down.
Focus on the parts of yourself that you love, like your smile or your sense of humor. Wear clothing that makes you feel confident and do activities you enjoy. Spend time with supportive people who boost your spirits. Permit yourself to indulge in self-care. Getting enough sleep and trying relaxation techniques like meditation can also keep you feeling centered.
Most of all, be kind to yourself mentally and emotionally when you’re bloated. This too shall pass. Staying positive helps you ride out monthly discomfort with grace and poise. Your beauty and worth are never defined by hormones!
Foods to Help Decrease Bloating
We all know that certain foods can cause our stomachs to inflate like a balloon, but did you know that some foods can help relieve bloating? When trying to beat the bloat, focus on eating foods that are natural diuretics and avoid inflammatory triggers.
Some foods that may provide relief include:
- Watermelon – High water content along with nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C make watermelon an essential food for flushing out excess fluids.
- Cucumber – This crunchy low-calorie vegetable is naturally diuretic and soothing for your GI tract. Try infusing your water with cucumber slices.
- Yogurt – Look for yogurts with live active cultures that contain probiotics to support healthy digestion. Greek yogurt is a great source of protein as well.
- Bananas – Packed with potassium, bananas can help regulate sodium levels and reduce fluid retention. They also contain prebiotics to boost gut health.
- Oats – High in soluble fiber, oats can help eliminate waste and reduce inflammation in the body. Enjoy overnight oats made with almond milk and cinnamon.
- Ginger – A warm cup of ginger tea can do wonders for bloating and nausea. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties relax the intestines.
- Leafy Greens – Stock up on spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. These magnesium-rich greens help draw excess fluids from the body. Toss into salads or blend into a green smoothie.
Paying attention to your diet is one of the most effective and natural ways to find relief from menstrual bloating. Focus on hydrating, adding probiotics, reducing sodium, and soothing your gut. With the right foods in your toolkit, you can tackle that swelling and feel much lighter.
When to See a doctor?
While mild bloating is normal during menstruation, severe bloating can be a sign of an underlying condition that should be checked out by a doctor. If you experience abnormal swelling that doesn’t go away within a couple of days following your period, pay attention to any other worrisome symptoms. These could include:
- Severe pelvic pain or cramping
- Vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than 2-3 days
- Rapid weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
Severe or persistent bloating can be associated with conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and others. Don’t ignore serious swelling or abdominal symptoms that concern you.
Make an appointment with your gynecologist or primary care provider to discuss your menstrual experiences and get checked out. It’s always better to be safe. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can get back to comfortably riding the monthly bloat wave.
