Why does my lower abdomen feel bloated only during menstruation?

 

◇Swelling in the abdomen may occur due to hormonal changes

 

During menstruation, the levels of female hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease, which can cause bloating.

When hormone levels decrease, water and salt in the body are stored in tissues more than usual.

As the uterine lining thickens, the lower abdomen appears more protruded than usual.

 

Before menstruation begins, estrogen levels decrease while progesterone levels increase.

Progesterone inhibits the action of lipolytic enzymes, leading to fat accumulation.

 

And just before menstruation, the endometrium needs nutrients to thicken.

Insulin secretion that absorbs glucose into the body also becomes more vigorous.

Many women feel that their appetite explodes just before their period because of this.

However, due to hormonal changes, fluid tends to accumulate in the body, causing a weight gain of 1 to 2 kilograms even with a small amount of food intake.

 

 

◇ Abdominal bloating occurs due to interference with activity

 

During menstruation, bowel activity slows down, which can make the abdomen appear bloated.

Rapid fluctuations in hormones due to menstruation disrupt the motility of the large intestine.

As a result, digestive ability may decline, and abdominal bloating may occur.

 

According to a research team at the University of Manitoba in Canada, during premenstrual or menstrual periods

73% of the study participants experienced indigestion.

 

For the same reason, constipation can easily occur, and it may appear as if your lower abdomen is constantly protruding.

Drinking herbal teas rich in natural ingredients that aid physical metabolism at this time can help alleviate symptoms.

 

 

If your stomach remains swollen after your period ends, suspect uterine fibroids.

 

If your bloated stomach doesn't go down even after your period has ended,

If your lower abdomen is swollen, you should suspect uterine fibroids.

 

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the muscular layer of the uterus and are so common that they are found in one out of two women of reproductive age.

Uterine fibroids do not cause pain or abnormal symptoms, so discomfort is only felt after the condition has worsened.

 

If uterine fibroids worsen, symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, shortness of breath, and prolonged menstrual periods may occur.

 

Uterine fibroids rarely transform into malignant tumors, but

Tumors at the site of the fallopian tube connection to the uterus can lead to infertility.

However, it is difficult for the general public to distinguish between a protruding abdomen caused by uterine fibroids and simple belly fat.

 

Therefore, if symptoms of suspicion occur, it is safer to visit a hospital to determine the location and size of the fibroids.

 

[Source © Provided by Health Chosun]