Bloating During Ovulation: Causes And Management Tips

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Bloating during ovulation is a common yet often overlooked issue many women experience. This uncomfortable sensation of fullness and tightness in the abdomen can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts daily activities (1) (2). While ovulation is a key factor, there are several other reasons for bloating, including constipation (3). Understanding the underlying causes of ovulation-related bloating and learning effective management strategies can help alleviate discomfort. In this article, we’ll explore the factors contributing to bloating during ovulation and offer practical tips to reduce its impact, allowing you to feel more comfortable and in control during this natural phase of your menstrual cycle.

Is Bloating A Sign Of Ovulation?

According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), abdominal bloating is among the prevalent secondary signs of ovulation (1) (4).

During the ovulatory phase, you may experience mild unilateral abdominal pain or cramps, commonly known as Mittelschmerz (“middle pain” or “pain in the middle of the month”), which may occur in either side of the pelvic region and last for a few hours to a few days.

If bloating is accompanied by other symptoms, you could be ovulating. However, these ovulation symptoms vary among women (5). You may also experience bloating after ovulation due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which occurs a week or two before the menses (6). According to the Cleveland Clinic, “As many as 3 in 4 women say they experience abdominal bloating before and during their menstrual periods (7).”

Did you know?

About 75% of women experience abdominal bloating before and during their period (22).

What Causes Severe Bloating During Ovulation?

Generally, bloating during ovulation is not harmful. Common symptoms of bloating during ovulation include a feeling of fullness, discomfort in the abdominal area, and changes in bowel movements. Some women may also experience changes in appetite or cravings, which can accompany the hormonal fluctuations during this time. However, severe bloating, when accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal menstrual cramps, nausea, or vomiting, can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as  (8) (9).

• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Ovarian cysts
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

If you experience persistent bloating during ovulation, consult a gynecologist to identify any underlying condition and get proper treatment.

Which Hormone Causes Bloating During Ovulation?

In a typical menstrual cycle, the mid-cycle estradiol (estrogen) levels are the highest right before ovulation, initiating positive feedback on the luteinizing hormone (LH) and resulting in an LH surge that allows ovulation. Additionally, following ovulation, progesterone levels rise (2) (10).

These hormonal imbalances, specifically the excess of estrogen (also known as estrogen dominance), may trigger an increase in water retention, leading to bloating during ovulation (1). A study suggests that adolescent girls are more prone to the effects of hormonal imbalances (11).

Quick fact

Progesterone and estrogen can individually affect the digestive system and cause intestinal gas or bloating during ovulation by slowing or speeding up intestinal motility (23).

Should You Worry About Bloating During Ovulation?

Although it can be quite uncomfortable, ovulation bloating is not a life-threatening condition. Most women may not notice ovulation bloating, while a few experience issues such as slow bowel movement, constipation, increased gas production, and abdominal discomfort (5).

Is Bloating Associated To Weight Gain During Ovulation?

Ovulation and weight gain are not directly associated. However, bloating induced by high estradiol levels during ovulation may make you appear heavier before your menstrual bleeding, known as premenstrual weight gain (2). Additionally, increased progesterone levels during ovulation also induce fatigue and heaviness (5).

During the ovulatory phase, you may also notice cravings for salty foods, such as chips, cheese, and processed foods. This increased salt intake during ovulation may induce fluid retention (bloating) in your body, giving the impression of weight gain (1).

How To Manage Bloating During Ovulation?

During ovulation, you can manage bloating and prevent its recurrence with the following remedial measures (5) (12) (13):

1. Consume low-FODMAP diet
   Follow a low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet, as high-FODMAP foods contain indigestible carbohydrates that can cause increased water retention in the tissues. A low-FODMAP diet is low in fermentable carbohydrates, reducing the likelihood of bloating, gas, and discomfort (14).
2. Avoid junk foods
   Avoid processed foods as they are often high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and refined sugars, which can contribute to fluid retention and inflammation (15).
   

3. Stay hydrated and include dietary fiber
   Drink plenty of water and include dietary fiber in your diet (1). Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support overall gut function. Some good sources of dietary fiber include quinoa, oats, pears, apples, almonds, and brown rice (16).
4. Avoid carbonated beverages
   Carbonated drinks, such as soda, can exacerbate bloating because they can cause extra gas to build up in the stomach (17). Limiting or avoiding these drinks may help manage some discomfort associated with bloating or flatulence.
5. Consider diuretics
   You may use diureticsⁱA medication that increases urine production in the kidneys in reasonable doses to minimize water retention. However, take them only in prescribed doses under medical guidance as they can have side effects, including electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and blood pressure changes.  
6. Indulge in regular exercise
   Stress can exacerbate bloating symptoms. Regular exercise can help alleviate stress. It can also aid in releasing trapped gas after meals, promoting better digestion and reducing discomfort (2) (18). Incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can also help manage bloating. 
7. Include probiotics
   Add probiotics, such as yogurt, miso, and kefir, to your daily diet. You can also consume herbs, such as peppermint and turmeric, to maintain a healthy gut microbiome and reduce bloating (7).
8. Eat magnesium and potassium-rich foods
   Include magnesium and potassium-rich foods, such as bananas and nuts, in your diet (19). Magnesium has a laxative effect which helps to reduce bloating. On the other hand, Potassium aids in reducing bloating by helping balance sodium levels in the body (7).
9. Track your menstrual cycle
   Track your menstrual cycle through an ovulation calculator to understand your ovulation period (4). It can help you know when bloating may occur, as hormonal changes during ovulation and menstruation can cause water retention. Recording symptoms like bloating allows you to identify and manage patterns more effectively. You can even start a menstrual binnacle to keep track of all the characteristics that are present in your period.
   

10. Consider over-the-counter (OTC) medications
    You may take over-the-counter (OTC) medications like simethicone or charcoal capsules. Sometimes, birth control pills (BCPs) can also help relieve menstrual bloating during ovulation by inhibiting hormonal changes (20). However, use these medicines only after consulting with your doctor.

Note: Bulk laxatives or bowel stimulants may be prescribed in extreme cases of ovulation bloating in operational settings. Bulk laxatives can help absorb water into the stool, making it easier to pass and reducing bloating. On the other hand, bowel stimulants can cause intestinal muscles to move stool more efficiently, helping to relieve bloating caused by slow bowel movements (21).

Quick tip

Reducing or limiting salt intake during ovulation may help reduce bloating, especially in women experiencing bloating due to a menstrual disorder (7).

How Is Ovulation Bloating Different From Pregnancy Bloating?

Typically, the symptoms of ovulation, including bloating, sore breasts, mood swings, cramping, and unilateral pelvic pain, are similar to those that appear in the early weeks of pregnancy. This may lead to confusion regarding whether you are ovulating or pregnant.

Therefore, it is important to prioritize reproductive health and be cautious during your ovulatory phase if you had unprotected sex and have other pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting. Take a pregnancy test if there is any delay in your menstrual period. You can also use fertility tracking apps to help you track the ovulation dates if you want to conceive. Such apps can also be used to track menstrual cycles and provide information about menstrual discomfort or menstrual irregularities (3).

Infographic: Management Of Bloating During Ovulation

While bloating during ovulation is typically normal, it may cause discomfort and hinder your day-to-day activities. It may range from mild to severe bloating; therefore, knowing to manage the condition effectively could be a boon. Take a look at this infographic below to learn about various management tips for bloating during ovulation.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Tips To Manage Bloating During ovulation And Causes

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Have you wondered why you feel bloated during ovulation and worried about whether it is normal? The following animated video explains why this happens and how to reduce bloating efficiently.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Miguel Angel Razo OsorioMD

Dr. Miguel Razio Osorio began his career in 2004 and has 19 years of experience in various fields of gynecology. After two years of internship and social service, he decided to specialize in G&O. Since 2013, Dr. Razo has dedicated his training and practice to improving his patients' obstetric and gynecological health, getting his degree as a certified specialist in 2017.

Read full bio of Dr. Miguel Angel Razo Osorio

Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

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Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

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