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Medical Encyclopedia: Bloating and menstruation

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001971.htm

Alternative names   

Menstrual periods and bloating

Definition   

Bloating is the feeling of a full, swollen belly area, usually due to gas in the intestines. Some women have bloating before or during their period (menstrual cycle).

See also: Abdominal bloating

Information   

If you have bloating associated with your menstrual cycle, exercise to sweat out excess fluids and eat more high-fiber foods to help prevent constipation.

See also: PMS

Update Date: 9/13/2008

Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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