Why Bloating Isn’t Normal — And Why You Need to Look Beyond Your Gut
Bloating is something so many women accept as “just part of life” — especially around their period, after meals, or during stressful times. But here’s the truth: bloating isn’t normal. It’s your body’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right, and if it’s happening regularly, it’s a signal you shouldn’t ignore.
Many people immediately think of gut health when they experience bloating — and yes, that’s a major piece of the puzzle. But what’s often overlooked is the role your hormones play in digestive comfort and overall gut function.
The Gut-Hormone Connection
Your gut is incredibly sensitive to the fluctuations in your hormones, especially the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. When these hormones are out of balance, it can affect how your digestive system works. For example:
High estrogen levels can slow down gut motility, causing food and waste to stay longer in your intestines. This creates more opportunity for fermentation and gas — which leads to that uncomfortable bloated feeling.
Low progesterone, especially in the second half of your menstrual cycle, can reduce smooth muscle relaxation in your digestive tract, also slowing digestion and causing constipation or bloating.
In short, hormone imbalances can make your gut less efficient — and more prone to bloating, cramps, and discomfort.
Gut Health Is Still Key — But It’s Not the Whole Story
Of course, gut health itself is a huge factor in bloating. Issues like:
Imbalanced gut bacteria (dysbiosis)
Food intolerances or sensitivities (e.g., to gluten or dairy)
Poor digestion due to low stomach acid or enzyme production
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
Leaky gut (where the gut lining has tears in it and partially digested food particles, bacteria, and toxins can pass through the gut lining and enter your bloodstream)
can all cause gas, inflammation, and that full, heavy feeling in your belly.
But if you only focus on your gut, ignoring hormones, you might be missing the root cause of why bloating keeps coming back.
What Should You Do?
Look at your cycle and symptoms: Notice if bloating worsens at certain times of your period or if it’s more constant. This can give clues to hormone involvement.
Support your gut: Eat a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fiber, bone broths, fermented foods, and avoid known triggers. Consider probiotics (from a trusted brand) and digestive enzymes if appropriate, bitters before your meal.
Balance your hormones: Work with a knowledgeable health coach or naturopath to assess your hormone levels. Supporting liver detox, stress management, and possibly supplementing key nutrients can help.
Manage stress: High cortisol can throw off both your hormones and digestion, making bloating worse. Mindful movement, meditation, and good sleep are powerful tools.
Bottom Line: Bloating Is a Sign — Don’t Just Mask It
Taking a daily antacid or popping pills for gas might provide temporary relief, but if bloating is regular for you, it’s a message your body is sending. By addressing both your gut and hormone health together, you’ll get to the root cause — not just the symptom.
If you’re tired of feeling uncomfortable in your body, confused about why bloating keeps coming back, and ready to feel truly in control of your health, remember: it’s never just about your gut alone. Your hormones play a starring role, and when you support both, your digestion, energy, and glow will thank you.
