Bloating

Signs of bloating

The signs of bloating can vary from woman to woman but include abdominal fullness and tightness, distension of the abdomen and increased burping or flatulence. The duration and intensity of these signs also vary.

What causes bloating during menopause?

The most likely cause of bloating during menopause is fluctuating hormones. Estrogen has an effect on water retention that occurs naturally during a woman’s menstrual cycle. When estrogen levels become erratic the pattern of water retention follows suit which leads to bloating. Estrogen also plays an important role in bile production, essential for the digestion of fats, and bloating can result when fats are not thoroughly digested. The other most common cause of bloating is a build up of gas in the gastrointestinal system, the incidence of which increases with hormonal fluctuations.