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 Managing Severe Ovulation Bloating: Effective Strategies for Coping in the Menstrual Cycle 

Ovulation, a pivotal stage in the menstrual cycle, is accompanied by various physical and hormonal changes. Among these changes, bloating emerges as a subtle yet notable signal that may leave women wondering about its origins and significance. This article aims to shed light on the details of ovulation-related bloating, thus providing valuable insights for those seeking to navigate their reproductive health with confidence and understanding. 

ovulation bloating

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation refers to the process by which a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries, thus making it available for fertilisation by sperm. It typically occurs midway through the menstrual cycle. As a consequence, the time of ovulation may vary based on the lengths of an individual's menstrual cycle. Ovulation is initiated and regulated by hormonal changes, mainly through the substantial increase in luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers the release of the egg from the ovary. Once the egg is released it travels down the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilised by sperm. If fertilised, the egg will travel to the uterus and implant to develop into a pregnancy. On the contrary, if fertilisation does not occur, the unfertilized egg is absorbed by the body. For some women, ovulation may cause one-sided abdominal pain. This is called Mittelschmerz pain and it usually lasts for a few minutes to one or two days. It may be dull or sharp pain and associated with mild vaginal discharge or bleeding. 


When does Ovulation cause Bloating?

One of the leading causes of ovulation bloating is the hormonal changes that occur during and after ovulation. Hormonal changes may play havoc with your digestive tract. The surge in LH and rising oestrogen levels, the body may retain more water. This can cause changes in the abdominal area, resulting in bloating or a sense of fullness.


Ovulation Bloating and Weight Gain 

During the monthly cycle, many women may gain some weight due to fuller breasts and ovulation bloating. This weight gain during ovulation is due to water retention that happens in response to the change in hormone levels. Women may crave salty and fatty foods during the ovulation period, which leads to water retention, ultimately resulting in bloating and weight gain during ovulation.


How Long Does Ovulation Bloating Last?

The fluid retention caused by hormonal changes during ovulation normally only lasts a few days. In cases where the bloating does not get better within a couple days, women should visit a healthcare provider, as it could be a consequence of other medical conditions (endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts).

Although bloating is a common sign of ovulation, there are a number of other common symptoms which women may experience, such as; 


  • Changes in basal body temperature (BBT): the BBT may rise slightly after ovulation. Women can check their BBT by a thermometer and compare the temperatures to previous measurements taken at the same time of day. The temperature should be taken before getting up in the morning;
  • Changes in vaginal discharge: women may notice an elevation in vaginal discharge characterised by clarity, stretchiness, and a moist texture The discharge may be present in the underwear, or may be noticed while wiping after using the washroom;
  • Changes in the position of the cervix: Throughout ovulation, the cervix tends to be soft, elevated, open, and moist. However, distinguishing between the cervical positions during ovulation and other phases of the menstrual cycle might be challenging without sufficient practice.

 

In addition to the above symptoms, there is a list of other symptoms of ovulation:


  • Breast tenderness: the increased levels of oestrogen can cause breast tissue to become more sensitive and tender.
  • Slight cramping or pain on one side of abdomen or pelvis: as the egg is released and moved down the fallopian tube, women might experience discomfort or pain on one side of the abdomen (mittelschmerz).
  • Light spotting: small amount of bleeding during ovulation related to the hormonal shifts and changes in the uterine lining.
  • Abdominal bloating: increased water retention leading to bloating in the abdominal area.
  • Increased sense of taste and smell: changes in hormones can affect the senses, possibly leading to higher sensitivity towards taste and smell
  • Increased sexual desire: hormonal changes can increase sexual desire, thought of as a biological part of the body's reproductive mechanism to encourage mating. 


It is important to mention that bloating during ovulation can be caused by medical conditions such as ovarian cyst, endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In these cases, women need to consult with a healthcare provider.

Ovulation Bloating vs. Premenstrual Bloating

The most convenient way for a woman to check if she experiences bloating during ovulation is to track when the bloating occurs during her monthly menstrual cycles. According to the American Pregnancy Association, bloating during the ovulation period may happen during the middle of her menstrual cycle between day 11 and 14 of the process. Bloating can occur before a period, known as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), or after ovulation. It may start one week before the menstrual cycle begins and may last up to one week after it stops.

 

 Apart from bloating, there is a list of other additional PMS symptoms:



  • Fatigue; hormonal changes can contribute to feelings of tiredness.
  • Headache; some individuals experience headaches as a consequence of the changes in hormone levels.
  • Pelvic pain; the release of prostaglandins involved in the uterine contractions can lead to pelvic pain.
  • Mood swings; hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings and irritability.
  • Tenderness in breasts or swollen breasts; Elevated oestrogen levels can lead to heightened sensitivity and tenderness in breast tissue.
  • Diarrhoea; changing hormone levels can affect the digestive system and lead to diarrhoea. 
  • Spotty skin; hormonal changes can influence the skin's oil production, which in turn may result in acne or spotty skin. 
  • Cramping in the abdomen; the release of prostaglandins can cause the uterus to contract, leading to cramping in the abdomen. 
  • Changes in sex drive or appetite; hormonal changes combined with the psychological impact of PMS can influence both sexual desire and appetite. 


Tips For Managing Severe Bloating During Ovulation

There are some tips women can use to reduce bloating during ovulation:


  • Drinking lots of water during the day;
  • Practising relaxation techniques;
  • Limiting consumption of processed foods;
  • Limiting salt intake by reducing the amount of processed and junk foods that women consume;
  • Taking a magnesium supplement can help with the symptom of bloating. It is however recommended to consult with the doctor before taking this supplement;
  • Doing regular sport exercises monthly may also help in managing bloating during ovulation;
  • Trying to eat a low-FODMAP diet or fermentable carbohydrates. High FODMAP foods stand for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine.


References


  • White, C. P., Hitchcock, C. L., Vigna, Y. M., & Prior, J. C. (2011). Fluid retention over the menstrual cycle: 1-year data from the prospective ovulation cohort. Obstetrics and gynecology international, 2011. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ogi/2011/138451/




Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is ovulation bloating related to fertility?

    In itself, ovulation bloating is not directly linked to fertility. However, identifying it can be crucial for conception, as it provides valuable insights for understanding of the menstrual cycle, and thus, determining the most fertile windows. 


  • Can I prevent ovulation bloating?

    While there isn't a specific prevention for ovulation bloating, it is suggested that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying hydrated may help manage the symptoms you experience. 


  • Can ovulation bloating be a sign of a more severe condition?

    In general terms, bloating is quite a common part of ovulation. However, if accompanied by severe discomfort, you should seek a medical professional to uncover other possible factors. 


Polina Pylypenko • August 4, 2021
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