Why Does My Period Make Me So Bloated?! (& How to Fix It)

Ever wake up before your period feeling like you swallowed a balloon? Your leggings feel tight, your rings don’t fit, and suddenly, you’re questioning every meal you’ve ever eaten. Period bloating is real, and it’s annoying AF.

But don’t worry—you’re not actually gaining weight overnight. Your body is just holding onto extra water, and luckily, there are ways to manage it.

💨 Why Does Period Bloating Happen?

Blame hormones. Again. Right before your period:

⚡ Estrogen rises & then drops → Causes your body to hold onto water.
🛑 Progesterone spikes → Slows digestion, making you feel full & bloated.
🌊 Your body retains more water & salt → You feel puffy, swollen, & sluggish.

Basically, your body is preparing for your period, and in the process, it holds onto EVERYTHING. Fun times.

🩷 How to Beat the Bloat Before & During Your Period

1. Drink More Water (Yes, Really)

I know, it sounds backwards. But drinking more water actually helps your body flush out excess fluids. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day to keep things moving.

2. Cut Back on Super Salty Foods

Salt makes your body hold onto even more water. Try to limit:
🚫 Processed snacks (chips, fast food, frozen meals)
🚫 Too much soy sauce or salty dressings
🚫 Instant noodles (I know, it hurts)

Instead, go for potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, & leafy greens to balance your electrolytes.

3. Move Your Body (Even if You Don’t Feel Like It)

Low-impact movement can help reduce bloating & improve digestion. Try:
🚶‍♀️ Walking
🧘‍♀️ Gentle yoga
🚴‍♀️ Cycling

Anything that gets your body moving will help!

4. Drink Herbal Tea

Certain teas help with digestion & bloating, like:
🍵 Peppermint tea (reduces gas & bloating)
🍵 Ginger tea (soothes your stomach)
🍵 Green tea (has anti-inflammatory properties)

5. Consider Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium helps with muscle relaxation & water balance. It’s found in foods like:
🥑 Avocados
🌰 Nuts & seeds
🍫 Dark chocolate (YES, you deserve it)

You can also take a magnesium supplement (just check with your doctor first!).

🛑 What NOT to Do

🚫 Don’t cut out carbs completely – Your body actually needs them for energy & hormone regulation.
🚫 Don’t overdo caffeine – Too much coffee can make bloating worse.
🚫 Don’t panic – It’s temporary! Your body will balance out once your period starts.

💡 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in This

Period bloating is annoying, but totally normal. Instead of stressing, try these small changes to help your body feel better and ride it out.

💬 Drop a 💨 if you deal with period bloating too! What’s your best bloating hack? Let’s help each other out.

#TheGRLInitiative #PeriodBloating #HormonesAreWild #ListenToYourBody #NoMoreShame #CycleHealth