Ovulation Bloating – Is It A Thing And How Do I Get Rid Of It?

TLDR: We take a look at what ovulation bloating is and what you can do to help. From the benefits of probiotics to what ovulation bloating actually is and 6 ways you can ease the ovulation bloat.

Ovulation Blaoting | Let’s Get Started…

Have you noticed that around midway through your cycle you get a little bloated? 

You’ll be glad to know, it is totally normal. Can happen to anyone, happens to me!

Bloating is always unpleasant (to put it politely). It makes you feel like your clothes don’t fit and it’s uncomfortable.

We’ve been trying some different ways to help beat ovulation bloating. In this blog, we are going to share our tips with you, and the low down on ovulation bloating and why it happens. 

No time to read this one? Let us read it out to you!

What is ovulation? 

About halfway through your cycle, one of your ovaries releases an egg. The egg makes its way down the fallopian tube, ready to meet a sperm and create a life. This is ovulation.

Before or during ovulation you might feel bloated. You may also feel a sense of well-being, have a heightened sex drive, and a boost of energy as your body gears up for possible babymaking. 

It’s all very primal and quite cool.

Why does ovulation cause bloating?

Just before you ovulate your hormones shift. There is a surge in estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH). This sudden shift in hormones can mess around with your digestive system and cause you to retain water – both of which cause bloating.

What are the other symptoms of ovulation?

When you are ovulating your hormones can cause a few other symptoms and signs. Here are some to look out for:

• Changes in discharge 
• Feeling happy 
• Pelvic pain on one side as your body releases the egg
• Sore boobs
• High sex drive 

If you like the idea of using hormone-free contraception then read our blog “How To Use Natural Family Planning.”

How do you get rid of ovulation bloating?

Ovulation bloating shouldn’t last too long. Maybe a day or two. However, there are things you can do to help not make the bloat worse. 

Here are a few tips to beat ovulation bloating:

1. Drink plenty of fluids
2. Eat healthy, unprocessed foods
3. Avoid foods high in salt and fat
4. Try a low FODMAP diet. FODMAP foods can make you gassy and bloated. Avoid cauli, garlic, wheat, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and beans.
5. Enjoy exercise throughout the month to ease water retention
6. Try adding probiotics to your diet. There are many benefits to probiotics and helping with bloating may be one of them!

Am I bloated from ovulation or PMS?

Ovulation bloating and PMS will come along with different signs. The best way to know which one you are facing is by tracking your cycle each month on a period tracking app such as Glow or Flo. We have written about our favourite apps to track your period.

Ovulation bloat is going to come midway through your cycle, whereas PMS bloating will be about a week before your period is due, or just after ovulation.

PMS comes with a few other symptoms too, so you’ll be likely to solve the bloat puzzle easily. Here are some PMS symptoms to look out for:

• Bloating
• Low mood
• Tiredness
• Irritability 
• Headaches
• Cramps
• Diarrhoea or constipation 

“I’m bloated all month, not just during ovulation or PMS”

If this sounds like you, please talk to your GP. This could be another issue at play here, such as PSOS, cysts, endo, or in rare cases ovarian cancer. 

Next up, read ‘Everything You Need To Know About A Positive Ovulation Test’

If you need anymore advice we are always around on Instagram @itsourremedy