How Does PMS Cause Bloating?

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that can afflict women during their menstrual cycle, which occurs every 28 days. During menstruation a woman's body goes through many physical and chemical changes which control this reproductive period. As a result, some women can be affected by side affects that include pain, bloating and emotional distress. For bloating, many cases of feeling full or retaining water is a major complaint. PMS can cause bloating because of the hormones that are a part of the monthly menstruation cycle.

Chemicals at Work

A woman's menstrual cycle demands the activity of her body's chemical and hormonal levels to progress through a complete occurrence of a monthly reproductive phase. This physiologic change in the body can affect many women negatively with the addition of side effects, which can be disabling in some cases. Bloating occurs in many instances of reported cases of PMS in reproductive-aged women in the United States. This condition results in a full feeling of the gut with no distention. Commonly called water retention, it is a direct result of the increase in certain hormones that regulate water levels in the body. While bloating will not normally cause a disability in the average woman, this feeling of fullness is a direct result of the regular cycle of a normal reproductive system.

How Does Bloating Happen?

Bloating during menstruation is caused by the release of mineralocorticoids, a hormone which regulates levels in fluid electrolytes and sodium. When the menstrual cycle creates a condition where these hormones are not delivered properly or in the appropriate levels, bloating and water retention occurs and the person will have the feel and look of holding water. When hormones are left unchecked and result in this condition, some women can be severely affected. Having a plan to defend yourself against this condition is possible by using the information you have to create a plan to overcome the bloated feeling. By combining good medical practice with a healthy lifestyle, many of the complaints from PMS can be averted. By knowing how the body is affected by a monthly change in hormone levels, you can prepare for the change and avoid many of these discomforts of PMS.