Q. What causes bloating during the menstruation cycle?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Bloating during the menstrual cycle is a common issue for many women. It is caused by fluctuations in hormone levels due to the menstrual cycle. During this time, your body produces more estrogen and progesterone as it prepares itself for ovulation. This can cause an increase in water retention and abdominal bloating throughout the cycle because of increased gas production in the gastrointestinal tract.
Other contributing factors to menstrual bloating may include diet, stress, lifestyle habits, fluid retention and even some medications such as antifungal drugs or birth control pills that contain hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Eating high-fat foods close to your period can also aggravate bloating while excessive caffeinated drinks or drinking alcohol may also contribute to discomfort and puffiness due to their diuretic effects on our bodies which leads to dehydration .
Furthermore, physical activities especially aerobic workouts can become a bit of a challenge during this period due to how uncomfortable you may be feeling from all the fluids being retained within your body leading up until you get your period mark when these fluids are then released reducing such symptoms significantly making it much easier for you to go back into a more active routine afterwards (note: always consult with doctor before starting any physical activity). Lastly keeping yourself relaxed through methods like yoga or mindfulness meditation could help reduce bloated feelings during this time too since stress has been known for its ability of affecting certain hormones like those mentioned above resulting into unwanted reactions within our bodies in response leading us towards unfavorable later end results like cramping and excess water retention thus adding on top of already existing physical discomfort brought by menstrual cycles itself plus whatever other unrelated factors come along with it such as poor dietary habits etc…
In conclusion regular exercise experienced at least three times per week (once again always check with doctor first) accompanied by balanced meals throughout day combined alongside healthy outlets used to relieve mental pressure will have great positive impacts over bloating induced by menstruation cycles overall not only benefiting individual separately but also vastly improving emotional well-being helping one live healthier happier life!