Many women know these problems as unpleasant side effects of menopause: gas, bloating, constipation. The female body changes and the hormonal balance finds a new balance. This change in hormones affects many areas of the body and is often accompanied by menopausal symptoms.
Why you feel bloated during menopause
Menopause is a time when a woman’s body and psyche change. Everyone is different. There are different phases.
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Premenopause
During this phase, fewer hormones are produced and the ovaries work less. The first sign of this is irregular bleeding. The ovaries then produce fewer and fewer female hormones. This usually happens after the age of 40. This phase may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Hot flashes
- irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Dry skin and mucous membranes (especially around the vagina)
- Cycle irregularity
- Feeling of fullness
- constipation
- abdominal swelling
- Flatulence
Perimenopause
The period before menopause is called perimenopause. The production of estrogen is now significantly reduced and the production of progestogen stops completely. The last period usually occurs around the age of 50. Ovulation becomes less and less frequent until it finally stops altogether.
After twelve months without a period, the ovaries have stopped producing. At this point, menopausal symptoms may become more severe.
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menopause
This is the time of the last menstrual period after which there have been no more periods for twelve months. The decline in hormones, especially estrogen, can lead to increased symptoms.
Postmenopause
This phase begins one year after menopause and lasts until the age of 65. During this period, the female body practically no longer produces estrogen.
What to do if you feel bloated during menopause
You may feel bloated when you’re going through menopause. This is due to fluctuating hormone levels. This feeling gets better when the ovaries stop producing hormones and the body gets used to it. A feeling like this is unpleasant. You can try to relieve it with lifestyle changes or medication. If not, you should see a doctor.
If you feel like it’s coming from your behavior, try to do something about it.
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A balanced diet
Don’t eat foods that can cause bloating, such as cabbage, fatty foods, and dairy products. Also avoid highly processed foods that contain a lot of sugar and salt. You should also avoid chewing gum and carbonated drinks, as they can fill your stomach with air and cause bloating. Instead, drink lots of water. Haven’t you drunk enough? This can lead to bloating.
Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Smoking and alcohol can cause a bloated stomach.
Regular exercise
Try to exercise several times a week, ideally cardio and strength training.
Am I bloated or have I gained weight?
During menopause, you may be unsure whether you are gaining weight. It’s because of the hormones. You may gain weight especially in your stomach. But this doesn’t necessarily have to be a sign of menopause. It can also be due to aging, your lifestyle or your genetics.
The feeling of being bloated may only occur temporarily, for example during your period, perimenopause, or after eating certain foods that cause bloating. Weight gain can be a symptom of menopause. If you change a few things in your life, you can prevent this. For example, if you eat a balanced diet with little salt and sugar, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
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