Why We Bloat - Hormonal bloating during each phase of your cycle

by Funk It Team

Hormonal bloating during the menstrual cycle is a common issue many women experience. It is primarily caused by fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Here's an explanation of what happens during each phase of the menstrual cycle:

Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)

What's Happening:

  • Hormone Levels: Both estrogen and progesterone levels are low.
  • Physical Changes: The lining of the uterus is shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding.

Bloating:

  • Reason: Bloating is usually minimal during this phase, but some women may still experience water retention and bloating due to hormonal changes and the shedding of the uterine lining.

Follicular Phase (Days 1-13)

What's Happening:

  • Hormone Levels: Estrogen levels start to rise as the body prepares for ovulation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.
  • Physical Changes: The uterine lining begins to thicken in preparation for a possible pregnancy.

Bloating:

  • Reason: The increase in estrogen can lead to water retention, which might cause bloating. Estrogen promotes salt and water retention, leading to a feeling of puffiness or bloating.

Ovulation Phase (Day 14)

What's Happening:

  • Hormone Levels: There's a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen reaches its peak just before ovulation.
  • Physical Changes: The mature egg is released from the ovary.

Bloating:

  • Reason: The peak in estrogen can lead to significant water retention and bloating. Additionally, some women experience mild pelvic pain or discomfort during ovulation, which can be associated with bloating.

Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

What's Happening:

  • Hormone Levels: Progesterone levels rise after ovulation to prepare the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop towards the end of this phase.
  • Physical Changes: The uterine lining continues to thicken, and if pregnancy does not occur, it begins to break down.

Bloating:

  • Reason: Progesterone slows down the digestive tract, leading to constipation and bloating. The drop in estrogen and progesterone just before menstruation can also
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