Before we discuss or deep dive into the details of severe bloating during ovulation, let’s first understand the process of ovulation.
Ovulation is defined as the process where some hormonal changes trigger the appearance of a mature egg that is released from the ovary. After being released from the ovary, it travels down to the fallopian tubes, where it waits to be fertilized by a sperm.
Generally stated, the process of ovulation begins a week or two prior to one’s monthly cycle. At times, the process of ovulation can happen more than once within the month or not occur at all, even if the menstruation takes place. Thus, this is why tracking the time of ovulation can be confusing.
Some women experience heightened sensations in their senses, a good boost of energy and happy vibes all over. But, on the contrary, some women experience bloating, swelling of the breasts, and abdominal pain. Severe bloating can be uncomfortable and falter one’s self-confidence. Thus it should be essential to know what can be done to avoid it or treat it.
In this article, we will look at the symptom of ovulation, i.e. severe bloating, its causes, symptoms, how it affects women during ovulation, and the possible treatment options or changes that can aid in making it bearable.
Overview of Severe Bloating during Ovulation
Before getting to know the causes, and symptoms, let’s get to learn more about what exactly bloating is and the causes of severe bloating during ovulation.
In simple words, bloating is when the stomach feels tight and full, usually due to gas. However, the severe bloating during the ovulation process is when a woman experiences bloating just before her period begins.
Other than severe bloating, women also go through the following; better known as PMS symptoms.
- Swollen Breasts
- Food Cravings
- Backaches/Headaches
- Constant tiredness
- Mood swings
- Cramps
- Outbreaks/Acne
Causes of Severe Bloating during Ovulation
Just before beginning a woman’s period cycle, the hormones are at their full play. Thus, experiencing bloating happens due to the changes in the sex hormones. These hormones are known as estrogen and progesterone.
Just about a week before a woman’s period starts, the levels of the sex hormone; progesterone fall. The reduced progesterone levels cause the uterine lining to shed, thus causing the monthly period.
Since the progesterone levels fall, the estrogen levels rise, possibly causing a woman’s body to retain more water. Due to the retaining of more water in the body, the body cells also become swollen due to water, enhancing the feeling of bloating.
Such hormones are also responsible for the following changes in a woman’s mood:
- Craving certain foods that usually have weird food combos.
- Constant headaches.
- Sensitive digestive tract.
- Such water retention and craving for food can result in some weight gain.
Symptoms of Severe Bloating during Ovulation
As far as the symptoms of bloating during ovulation are concerned, some women don’t go through them. However, one can watch out for some of the physical signs that may help identify whether you’re going through the process of ovulation.
Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz)
A small percentage of women go through ovarian pain during or before ovulation. It is known as the pain in the pelvic and lower abdomen region. The intensity and duration of the pain you’re going through could vary.
Ovarian pain is associated with the growth of the follicle that is holding the maturing egg as it continues to stretch the surface of the ovary. Often described as a pop or twinge, this pain happens in any ovaries, and the location may vary.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms of such severe bloating during ovulation are as mentioned below:
- Changes in vaginal discharge may be thicker, stretchy, wet, and transparent. You might spot it in your underwear.
- Changes in body temperature- the body temperature is said to rise a bit after ovulation. Hence one must check their temperature often throughout; if one’s trying to get pregnant.
Aside from the ovulation bloating and symptoms stated, other signs or secondary symptoms of ovulation are:
- Increased sex drive
- Cramping episodes
- Light Spotting
Difference between Ovulation Bloating and Premenstrual Bloating
One of the simplest ways to determine whether you are going through premenstrual bloating and ovulation bloating is to track your monthly cycle.
Premenstrual bloating begins after the ovulation, starting a week before your period and lasting a week after. On the other hand, ovulation bloating marks its appearance somewhere during the middle of your cycle, a few days before ovulation.
Treatment Plan: Tips to Manage Severe Bloating
A woman can make quite a lifestyle change that will immensely help her bloating issues. Following the ones mentioned below would bring effective results.
- Drink massive amounts of water during the day.
- Avoid the consumption of junk food. Avoiding junk food would decrease the concentration of salt, which is one of the main reasons for bloating.
- Eat potassium-rich foods as it avoids water retention. Not eating potassium-rich foods leaves the body clinging to salty foods. Including foods such as bananas and potatoes will ease the symptoms.
- Eating magnesium also aids in relieving uncomfortable bloating and controlling water retention.
- Working out properly throughout the month and performing aerobic exercises are beneficial for such causes.
- Try diuretics. Diuretics increase urine production, thus making the body lose excess water and controlling water retention.
- If you don’t like working out, you could go for yoga or stretching.
Conclusion
In the end, it must be mentioned that only some, but not all, women go through ovulation bloating. However, those who do may have to put up with various conditions that might be uncomfortable and unwanted. However, they can be handled if one makes the right choices and alters their lifestyle options slightly.
If you are trying to get pregnant, ovulation predictor kits would be pretty helpful. Nevertheless, one should not use them for an extended period, especially when the couple cannot conceive and get pregnant.
If you are going through such symptoms, it would be best to try making some lifestyle changes before consulting a doctor. However, if your symptoms don’t seem to get better even after making specific changes, then you must consult a doctor immediately. There could be some other underlying medical issue at hand.
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