For the past 6 months, I have experienced a lot of bloating for about 1-2 weeks before my period. I'm guessing it is PMS and not digestive b/c it comes and goes in this pattern. I will gain about 3-4 pounds during this time. To me, this seems like a lot for water retention...In the last 3 months or so, I have also started having really awful gas too. Not painful, just unpleasant-like the kind I had while I was pregnant if you can sympathize. Sometimes I can't stand to be around myself. ha! Does anyone have this problem? I'm just curious about whether or not this is in fact PMS and if it warrants a visit to the Gyno. What about using diuretics or something homeopathic? Your help would be MOST appreciated!
to stop the pain and gas STOP ALL Caffine including Chocolate. I also take chewable calcium before bed, like Tums or Wal-greens version of Extra Strength Calcium Chewables (minty before bed) and it take away the pain and knocks my butt out.. I sleep all thru the night. Caffine causes the shedding of intestine and gives you the bloating and gas.
Isn't this a great subject?!! LOL...
I had this "issue" as well and started doing a minor cleanse about 2 days before my cycle starts and it makes all the difference! I don't think it particularly matters which cleanse you take, but as long as it's a 48-72 hour one and not a 2 week one. I use this Acai Berry one from GNC and it's a drink instead of pills.
I feel your pain (literally!). (For several days a month I swear my belly got so big I looked pregnant). I talked to my gyno at my annual visit in November. He took some blood and checked me out, but everything seemed to be fine. However, I started eating more fiber the last couple of months in an attempt to lose weight and that seems to have had a huge impact on the problem. Even though it was mostly around my periods, I guess maybe the normal water retention was making the rest worse? I've just been eating those fiber bars as snacks (and they are pretty good) and Fibre One Cereal occassionally as well (also tastes way better than I expected it to). I keep thinking I'll take fiber tablets, but I haven't gotten that far yet. Good luck!
My thought is it might be your birth control if you're on a pill. I had the same problem when I first started back on my regular pill after nursing.
You're not alone! lol I visited my gyno and got no real concrete answers but I've started carrying beano with me for the gas and as far as the retention..it is possible to gain that much water. I take a diuretic. Usually after a day or so after my cycle, I'm all better.
