Menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life that comes with a range of physical and emotional symptoms. While hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain are well-known symptoms of menopause, bloating is also a common symptom that women experience.
If you’re experiencing bloating, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself feel better. Here’s what you need to know:
What is Bloating, and How Does it Differ from Weight Gain?
Bloating is a sensation of fullness or tightness in the abdomen, often accompanied by gas or discomfort. It can occur for a variety of reasons, including eating too much, eating too quickly, or consuming certain types of foods that are difficult to digest.
Bloating differs from weight gain in that it is often temporary and can fluctuate throughout the day. Weight gain, on the other hand, is a more permanent increase in body mass that can result from a variety of factors, including changes in diet, exercise, or hormonal imbalances.
Why Menopause Can Cause Bloating
As hormone levels decline during menopause, fluid retention and distribution can be affected, leading to excess fluid accumulation and discomfort in the abdomen. In fact, research shows that a staggering 73% of women reported experiencing abdominal bloating during menopause. Additionally, bloating can also be influenced by gut motility and digestion changes, which are affected by hormonal fluctuations during menopause.