For many women, the days leading up to their period can bring about more than just mood swings, headache, lethargy and a host of other issues; it can also introduce the unwelcome companions of bloating and painful gas.
While there are a number of emotional and physical symptoms of PMS, gastrointestinal issues are not uncommon.
Gastrointestinal issues that are experienced in the days before, and sometimes during and after, your period are similar to the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These include:
- abdominal bloating
- abdominal cramping
- diarrhea or constipation
- excess gas
What causes gas in the abdomen before your period?
For some women, the fluctuation of hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause abdominal bloating and gas before and during their periods.
Rising levels of estrogen in the days leading up to your period affect estrogen receptors in your stomach and small intestine. These higher estrogen levels can cause:
flatulence
constipation
build-up of air and gases in the intestinal tract
The hormones estrogen and progesterone can also cause fluid retention. When estrogen levels rise and progesterone levels decline, women tend to retain more water than they typically do. This commonly results in bloating and weight gain.
Some conditions, such as IBS, can be intensified by your period.
How to get relief from gas pain before your period?
Four ways that may help you get some relief from a uncomfortable gassy stomach before and during menstruation are birth control, exercise, diet, and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies.
1. Birth control
You may wish to talk to your gynecologist on the use of birth control pill to prevent bloating. A 2008 study indicated that the pill may help improve bloating during your period.
2. Exercise
Regular exercise may also relieve some of the discomfort. A 2013 study concluded that regular exercise may help reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.
3. Diet
Although the gas associated with your period isn’t caused by the food you eat per se, certain foods are known to cause gas and can add to the discomfort.
Limiting your intake of these foods before and during your period can help. The Mayo Clinic identifies a number of foods that can contribute to excess gas and bloating, including:
beans
broccoli
cabbage
cauliflower
lentils
mushrooms
onions
peas
whole-grain foods
4. OTC remedies
For many people, OTC products are helpful for reducing gas symptoms. Some remedies that are available without a prescription include activated charcoal, Alpha-galactosidase. Alpha-galactosidase (BeanAssist, Beano), Simethicone, and Lactase supplements.
If you find that the bloating and painful gas are disrupting your daily life, discuss your symptoms with your gynecologist.
