Bloating during ovulation: Why it happens and how to find relief

What causes bloating during ovulation?

Ovulation bloating is not common, since ovulating doesn’t cause constipation, or gas. However, while bloating isn’t caused by ovulation, you could experience mittelschmerze, or ovulation pain, on the side of your abdomen where the ovary releases the egg.

Mittelschmerze can feel like a sudden, sharp pain or light, dull cramping lasting a few minutes to around a few hours. In some cases, the pelvic discomfort could be accompanied by slight discharge or spotting, especially following exertion like hard exercise. Before we dive deeper into why you may experience bloating around ovulation, it’s important to understand what’s happening to your body during this stage of the menstrual cycle.

The role of estrogen and luteinizing hormone

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary reproductive hormones in women, but they’re not the only ones hard at work regulating your menstrual cycle. There are two phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular and luteal phases, which are broken into five stages: early, mid, and late follicular, and early and late luteal.

In the early follicular stage, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) triggers the ovarian follicles to grow. As they develop, these follicles produce estrogen. Although several start the process, they soon compete until only one dominant follicle remains. The others naturally break down and resolve. When the dominant follicle reaches maturity, estrogen levels rise dramatically, causing the pituitary gland to increase the release of luteinizing hormone (LH). This LH surge is what triggers the dominant follicle to release the mature egg, a process called ovulation.

How to know if it’s ovulation bloating: 5 key signs

Now that you know that ovulation doesn’t cause bloating, we can discuss ways to help you determine why you may be experiencing this symptom. Here are a few key signs to consider if you experience mid-cycle abdominal discomfort.

1. It’s accompanied by other ovulation symptoms: While ovulation doesn’t cause bloating, there are other tell-tale symptoms that accompany ovulation. For example, changes in cervical mucus, where it takes on an egg-white consistency, or mittelschmerze. During ovulation, you may notice breast tenderness, appetite shifts, and an increased libido.
2. It’s temporary: Abdominal discomfort or cramping during ovulation is temporary and shouldn’t last more than a few minutes to a few hours. If you experience bloating symptoms, it’s most likely GI tract-related and not tied to ovulation itself.
3. It’s cyclical – Ovulation occurs around the same time every month for women with regular menstrual cycles, however it is not fixed in time. That means your abdominal discomfort may also be cyclical. Cycle tracking is an easy way to determine symptom patterns month after month.

Bloating that occurs around a week before your period is most likely tied to PMS. However, if you’re sexually active, it could also be a sign of early pregnancy.

4 Actionable ways to reduce ovulation bloating

Finding ovulation bloating relief doesn’t have to be difficult, as we’ve mentioned it’s commonly diet and lifestyle related. For many, simple changes to their lifestyle can make a huge difference. You can help reduce abdominal pressure and discomfort with these actionable steps.

1. Embrace gentle movement – Movement is essential to your physical, mental, and emotional health. You don’t have to participate in high-intensity training to enjoy the many benefits daily exercise offers. Gentle activities like stretching, yoga, and walking improve circulation and digestion, helping to relieve gas and pressure.
2. Sip herbal teas – Herbal teas aren’t only delicious, they can also help you debloat. Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile are excellent at soothing your digestive system and helping dispel gas. Drinking non-caffeinated tea can also help you stay hydrated and soothe stress, further supporting healthy digestion.
3. Limit gas-producing foods temporarily – Some foods are naturally more gas-producing than others and can be avoided when you’re feeling bloated. Temporarily cutting back on food like broccoli, beans, and carbonated beverages can help you feel better faster.
4. Consider a probiotic supplement – Probiotics support a healthy gut biome by introducing live, beneficial microorganisms to your system. They provide digestive support, immune modulation, and aid in your gut barrier integrity, which can help you reduce or avoid bloating altogether. To ensure you choose a probiotic that works, look for ones with genus-specific strains, 25 to 100 billion CFUs, and reputable brands that use third-party testing. You can explore the US Probiotic Guide for more information on choosing the right probiotic for you.

Ovulation bloating vs. PMS bloating vs. pregnancy bloating

There’s numerous reasons you may feel bloated around the time of ovulation. Below is a quick glance guide to help you determine why you may be experiencing this symptom.

Your cycle is the best clue

Tracking your symptoms throughout your menstrual cycle is the most reliable way to identify patterns. The key is using a proven tracker like Hormona. Hormona is the award-winning hormone tracking app that revolutionizes women’s health. It provides comprehensive insights and tools, including an at home hormone test to help you better understand your body and feel your best. Your health shouldn’t be a guessing game; take control and live in sync with Hormona.

When to see a doctor about bloating

Bloating during ovulation isn’t normal and could be a sign of an underlying issue. Persistent bloating can sometimes be a symptom of conditions like ovarian cysts, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and a doctor can help rule these out. Here are a few red flags to keep in mind.

• Bloating that is severe, painful, and disrupts your daily activities.
• Bloating that lasts for more than a few days or is persistent throughout your cycle.
• Bloating accompanied by fever, vomiting, or significant pain.
• A noticeable lump or swelling in your abdomen.

FAQs

How long does ovulation bloating last?

Bloating is not a symptom of ovulation; rather, it’s most likely related to your GI tract or diet. However, if you’re not tracking your cycle, you may confuse it with PMS symptoms, which can include bloating.

Does bloating count as a sign of ovulation?

No, bloating is not a sign of ovulation, but it can occur at the same time by coincidence.

Can you feel bloated the day after ovulation?

Yes, just by coincidence you can experience bloating at any point during your cycle, including the day after ovulation.

Does ovulation cause bloating?

No, ovulation doesn’t cause bloating. If you experience gassiness, bloating, or constipation, it’s most likely due to your diet, GI tract issues, or, in severe cases, underlying conditions like PCOS or ovarian cysts.