conigs25
So in love with this kid!
Member since 5/06 11197 total posts
Name:
Michele
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Can i ask a really naive question?
I know its water but.....exact;y HOW is it that your stomach is so bloated when you have your period?? Where is all this water and what is it doing in there??
My belly is like a god da mn balloon right now
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LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
Name:
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Re: Can i ask a really naive question?
Posted by conigs25
I know its water but.....exact;y HOW is it that your stomach is so bloated when you have your period?? Where is all this water and what is it doing in there??
My belly is like a god da mn balloon right now
I don't know either, but I feel your pain
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LaurenExp
Waiting patiently for baby sis
Member since 8/06 11613 total posts
Name:
L-Diddy EDD 11/11/11 :)
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Re: Can i ask a really naive question?
I found more info than you ever really needed to know 
If bloating in a premenopausal woman follows a pattern, it's likely to be related to the menstrual cycle. During the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase, women can retain water, which causes swelling in not only the abdomen but sometimes in the hands, feet and breasts.
The rising levels of hormones also have a direct effect on the gastointenstinal tract. "This hormonal effect causes the GI tract not to empty as quickly and to produce gas," explains Grace Janik, MD, director of the Reproductive Endocrinology at St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee.
Because stool and gas are moving more slowly through the intestines, women often have constipation and bloating in the two weeks before their periods. When women get their periods, their hormone levels drop and they sometimes get diarrhea.
Although it's less common, women can also have hormone-related bloating from changing or going on or off birth control pills or from the contraceptive Depo-Provera. Bloating due to these contraceptives, however, usually subsides after about three months.
Abdominal distension may be a sign of early pregnancy, particularly in women who aren't using birth control. And older women who are taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes may also have discomfort from abdominal bloating.
Gynecologist Linda Bradley, MD, director of hysteroscopic services at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, says after she takes a medical history, she often suggests that younger women keep a diary of their symptoms to determine if the bloating is cyclical. If it appears to be related to the menstrual cycle, she may prescribe a mild diuretic or birth control pills. Exercising, avoiding gas-producing foods and adding bulk fiber to the diet may also ease premenstrual bloating.
Sometimes, Dr. Bradley says, women are not necessarily seeking treatment. "You wouldn't believe how many women just want to know that it's nothing bad," she says.
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