Why It Happens

Bloating during your period is extremely common, driven by hormonal shifts that affect fluid retention, gut motility, and inflammation. It's part of the body’s natural monthly adjustments.

Progesterone Drop: A sharp decline in progesterone slows digestion.

Increased Prostaglandins: Inflammatory molecules affect gut tone and water balance.

Salt and Water Retention: Hormone shifts cause the body to hold more fluids.

Food Cravings and Overeating: Poor dietary choices can worsen gut fermentation.

Stress or Poor Sleep: Both impair gut recovery and add to bloating.

How to Manage

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Leafy greens, berries, and turmeric reduce swelling.

Hydrate Strategically: Water plus electrolytes help flush excess fluids.

Support Digestion: Smaller, lighter meals ease gut burden.

Use Gentle Movement: Walking, stretching, or yoga promotes gut flow.

Prioritize Sleep and Rest: Hormonal balance improves overnight healing.

Period bloating is normal — but manageable with daily habits tuned to your cycle.

Key Biomarkers

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)

Expert-Backed Reads

• Heard of hsCRP? Test for This in Your 30s To Live Longer

• ESR (Sed Rate) Test: Detect Chronic Inflammation and Improve Longevity

• A Guide on hs-CRP Test for Inflammation and Heart Health

You Might Also Be Experiencing

• Bloating In Women

• Bloating At Night

• Bloating In 60S

• Bloating In The Morning

• Bloating In 20S

References

• Mayo Clinic – Gas and gas pains

• Cleveland Clinic – Bloated Stomach

• Healthline – Bloating