Period FAQs

how to stop period bloating

by Stewart Emard MD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Here are some ways to reduce period bloating:
  1. follow a low-sodium diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
  2. drink lots of water.
  3. skip caffeine and alcohol.
  4. limit processed foods.
  5. exercise regularly.
  6. take a diuretic.
  7. talk to your doctor about whether birth control pills may help.

What can I take to reduce period bloating?

How can you treat and prevent period bloating?

  1. Eat the right foods. You should avoid eating too much salt. ...
  2. Drink lots of water. Make sure you drink plenty of water on the days leading up to your period. ...
  3. Skip alcohol and caffeine. Experts believe that both alcohol and caffeine contribute to bloating and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  4. Exercise regularly. ...
  5. Consider medication. ...

How to stop feeling bloated during your period?

  • Antibloating medication: These are available OTC. ...
  • Water-reduction pills: Also known as diuretics, these are only available by a prescription from your doctor. ...
  • Hormonal birth control pills: Birth control pills may help you with bloating and other premenstrual syndrome symptoms, if you’re still having periods, because they can stabilize your hormones. ...

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What alternative remedies can stop bloating?

Some simple changes can make a big difference:

  • Take the time to enjoy a meal. ...
  • Avoiding carbonated beverages, since they increase the amount of air in the stomach.
  • Reducing salt intake can reduce bloating. ...
  • Adding high-fiber foods slowly. ...
  • Avoiding any foods that trigger sensitivities, like dairy products or gluten, which can cause constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

How to stop bleeding so much on your period?

Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Alternative Treatments That Might Work Download Article

  1. Relieve discomfort with acupuncture. This might sound weird to you, but studies show that acupuncture could be an effective treatment for heavy periods.
  2. Take chasteberry extract to reduce bleeding. This herb might help control cramping and excessive bleeding during your period.
  3. Try ginger capsules to stop blood loss. ...
  4. Use yarrow to control blood flow. ...

More items...

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What causes bloating during period?

As well as causing menstrual bleeding, research suggests that changes in progesterone and estrogen levels cause the body to retain more water and salt. The body's cells become swollen with water, causing the feeling of bloating.

How long does it take for period bloat to go away?

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.

What foods help with menstrual bloating?

Potassium-rich foods that may reduce period bloating include: dark leafy greens, such as spinach. sweet potato. bananas....Foods that act as natural diuretics include:asparagus.pineapples.peaches.cucumber.leeks.ginger.garlic.

How do you Debloat in 5 minutes?

0:409:25Reduce Bloating Quickly | 5 MIN FAST Walk | growwithjo - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGood job two one and walk it out we're gonna do a quick walk flip those knees up get those armsMoreGood job two one and walk it out we're gonna do a quick walk flip those knees up get those arms pumping next exercise we're doing is high kicks.

How long does period weight gain last?

It's normal to gain about three to five pounds during your period. Generally, it will go away a few days after your period starts.

How do you Debloat in 2 days?

How to Debloat: 8 Simple Steps and What to KnowDrink plenty of water. ... Consider your fiber intake. ... Eat less sodium. ... Be mindful of food intolerances. ... Steer clear of sugar alcohols. ... Practice mindful eating. ... Try using probiotics.

Do you burn more calories in your period?

So does being on your period burn more calories or not? Typically, no. While experts largely agree that resting metabolic rates fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, the change is negligible. Given this minimal difference, most women will not burn many more calories than usual.

How do you know if you're bloated or just fat?

One easy way to tell the difference between bloat and belly fat is to note belly fat does not cause your stomach to expand wildly throughout the course of a day; bloat does. One other way to tell the difference between bloat and belly fat is you can physically grasp belly fat with your hand, you cannot with bloat.

How to de-bloat during period?

The good news: There are some seriously easy steps you can take to de-bloat during your period. Switching up the foods you eat, like swapping in more potassium-filled foods and nixing the caffeine for a few days, can do some serious remedying to your bloated belly.

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 reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellow at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.

How long does it take for bloating to start?

Basically, it's a bloating double-whammy. 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.

How many women experience bloating during their period?

Because the truth is: An estimated 70 percent of women experience bloating during their period, according to Diana Bitner, MD, a Michigan-based ob-gyn.

What is the best medicine for bloating?

Ibuprofen and Naprosyn (found in brands like Aleve and Midol) block the chemicals that cause inflammation, and in turn, bloating, says Kelly Roy, MD, an ob-gyn in Phoenix. “A couple days before your period, take 200 to 400 milligrams every six to eight hours,” she says.

What foods can you eat to keep your body from puffing up?

Pick protein- and potassium-rich foods. Fill your plate with ingredients that won’t cause you to puff up. “ High-potassium foods like bananas, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and asparagus help promote a good balance of fluids,” says Isabel Smith, RD, a New York City-based dietitian and fitness expert.

When does bloating start?

Bloating usually starts to kick in about one to two days before the start of a woman's period.

Symptoms

Period bloating is very common. In fact, over 90% of people who menstruate report experiencing symptoms like bloating before or during their periods. 3 PMS symptoms can begin any time after your first menstrual period, but usually by your early 20s. Some women experience more severe symptoms in the late reproductive years.

Tips to Reduce Bloating

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to reduce period bloating, which include: 3

Why Bloating Happens

When it comes to just about any period symptom, you can blame it on the hormones. Changing hormone levels leads to a variety of changes in the body. Each month that you do not become pregnant, your body’s estrogen and progesterone levels fall significantly. This rapid decline in hormones can lead to water retention and bloating.

Risk Factors

Most people who menstruate experience symptoms around their periods. The following risk factors can increase your chances of period bloating: 1

Home Remedies

If you have tried to improve period bloating with lifestyle changes and are still uncomfortable, you may be considering a home remedy. It’s important to note that you should always talk with your healthcare provider before beginning a new dietary supplement. Home remedies that may improve period bloating include:

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If period bloating has become so severe that lifestyle changes do not help and you are unable to keep up with your daily activities, talk with your healthcare provider or gynecologist. They will likely ask you to keep a symptom diary to understand when the bloating starts and what (if anything) helps it.

Summary

Period bloating is a condition that occurs before or during your period. It causes a distended belly and an uncomfortable, tight feeling. Period bloating is believed to be caused by the hormone changes that take place each month during your period.

Why Do You Get Bloated On Your Period?

And then when progesterone starts getting higher toward the end of your cycle, it slows your digestive tract, which can also cause you to feel bloated.

How to get better during your period?

Exercise. Even though you feel awful, getting a workout in is probably one of the best ways to feel better while on your period. Even if it just means a good walk or a bit of yoga, getting your heart rate up for a while is one of the best ways to help your body feel better. Take it easy, though—intense workouts can actually increase inflammation and make you feel worse.

What can I take for bloating?

Meds. Taking something that is anti-inflammatory can also help with bloating. Try just a little Ibuprofen or Midol, and it can help your body relax and ease the bloating.

What to do when your period is out of control?

Pill. If your periods are making you feel out of control (either physically or mentally) talk to your doctor about going on the pill. Oral contraceptives can help stabilize your hormones and regulate your period.

Is it normal to be bloated before your period?

So, is it normal to be bloated before your period? Absolutely. This is the most common time for women to feel like their stomach is big and poochy. In fact, it’s likely the first day of your period will be the worst. So at least there’s a positive side to this—you know what’s coming.

How to stop bloating during period?

Avoiding foods high in salt and refined carbohydrates may help relieve period bloating. There are many lifestyle changes that a woman can make that may help to reduce water retention. In turn, these changes may help relieve the symptoms of period bloating. 1. Avoid salty foods.

What foods help with period bloating?

Foods that act as natural diuretics include: asparagus. pineapples. peaches. cucumber. leeks. ginger.

What does it mean when you feel bloated before your period?

It may be accompanied by stomach cramps and backaches. Period bloating is when a woman feels her abdomen is heavy and swollen just before and at the start of her period. Bloating is also one of several premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms that can occur 1-2 weeks before a woman’s period.

What hormones cause a woman to bleed?

About a week before a woman’s period starts, levels of the hormone progesterone fall. Reduced levels of progesterone cause the uterus to shed its lining, which is what causes menstrual bleeding.

When do women experience bloating?

Many women experience bloating before and at the start of their period. Can certain lifestyle changes offer some relief?

Does bloating go away after a period?

However, if period bloating affects a woman’s daily life, it is a good idea for her to speak to her doctor. If bloating does not go away after a period, it is also a good idea to talk to a doctor.

Does potassium help with period bloating?

Research shows potassium decreases sodium levels and increases urine production. In this way, potassium may help reduce water retention and improve period bloating.

Dont Skip Your Workout Routine

I get it: Working out is probably the last thing you feel like doing. But experts say getting your heart rate up is one of the best ways to alleviate PMS symptoms including bloat.

Skip Alcohol And Caffeine

Experts believe that both alcohol and caffeine contribute to bloating and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome . Instead of these beverages, drink more water.

Apply Pressure And Stay Bloat

Applying pressure to the GI tract can be another home remedies that can be effective in getting rid of the period bloating. In order to get rid of the gases, massage your abdomen in the direction of your GI tract. Heres a brief direction:

Minimize Foods That Can Cause Acid Reflux

Some foods that cause acid reflux can also exacerbate bloating. When you have acid reflux, you often swallow a lot of air to calm down your throat and stomach, causing bloat because thereâs just more air in your stomach.

Try Taking A Diuretic

Diuretic tablets help increase urine production which, in turn, helps in getting rid of water from your body and reducing water retention . You can also eat fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, and pineapples, which are natural diuretics .

Intake Of Alcohol And Caffeine

When you are used to taking alcohol, you will realize that it increases or makes worse the level of bloating as you tend towards your period.

How Long Does Period Bloating Last

Most people with periods experience the infamous bloat one to two days before bleeding begins. Some have symptoms one or two weeks in advance.

How to stop bloating before your period?

How do you stop bloating before your period? To help limit bloating before your period, you can try the following: Avoid salty foods. Eat potassium-rich foods. Try natural diuretics (e.g., spinach, asparagus, watermelon, cucumber, and garlic). Avoid refined carbohydrates.

When does bloating start?

Bloating is a common early sign of PMS. A feeling of bloating may appear about a week before the start of your period. The feeling of bloating might increase and then get better in the first days of your period.

How often does bloating occur?

It may occur every month, once in a while, or bloating may never occur at all. Once your period arrives, or a few days into it, the symptoms should disappear. As your period progresses, water retention declines rapidly and the swelling subsides.

What happens the week before your period?

The week before your period, you may experience breast tenderness and swelling. Symptoms such as bloating, swollen arms and legs, and bags under the eyes can also appear. Swelling and bloating are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that are caused by water retention. Whether other symptoms of PMS are present or not, ...

How long before your period does water retention affect your body?

Water retention associated with PMS can create a bloated, heavy feeling about a week before your period.

How to get rid of water retention in kidneys?

They can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, which further raises insulin levels and causes the kidneys to retain more sodium. Exercise regularly. Your health care provider can provide further advice on other possible remedies for water retention, such as diuretics.

What foods can help with water retention?

If you’re feeling puffy and bloated, foods that contain potassium, like bananas and dark leafy greens, may help reduce water retention. They do this by counteracting high levels of sodium in the body. Consuming lots of salty foods can make water retention worse.

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