Why Bloating Often Worsens Around Your Cycle
Bloating is one of those symptoms that’s easy to dismiss.
It’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, and often brushed off as “something I ate” or “just how my body is.” But if you’ve noticed that bloating worsens at certain times of the month, there may be more to the story.
Very often, hormones are involved.
The hormone–gut connection
Hormones and digestion are deeply intertwined.
Oestrogen and progesterone don’t just influence the reproductive system — they also affect how quickly food moves through the gut, how sensitive the digestive tract is, and how efficiently the body clears waste.
As hormone levels fluctuate throughout the cycle, digestion can slow down. This can lead to:
- bloating or a heavy feeling in the abdomen
- constipation or sluggish digestion
- increased gas or discomfort
- feeling full quickly or uncomfortable after meals
This is why many people notice digestive symptoms becoming more pronounced in the days leading up to their period, or during times of hormonal transition such as perimenopause.
When digestion slows, hormones recycle
Here’s an important piece that’s often overlooked.
The gut and liver play a major role in clearing excess hormones from the body. When digestion is sluggish, hormones that should be eliminated can be reabsorbed instead.
This creates a loop:
- hormonal shifts slow digestion
- slow digestion prevents hormone clearance
- symptoms intensify
This doesn’t mean your body is failing — it means it needs support, not pressure.
Stress plays a role too
Just as with the nervous system, stress directly affects digestion.
When the body is under stress, digestion is not a priority. Blood flow shifts away from the gut, enzymes decrease, and motility slows.
This is why bloating often worsens during busy, emotionally demanding, or overwhelming periods — even if your diet hasn’t changed.
Supporting digestion gently often helps multiple systems at once.
A gentler way to support digestion
Digestive support doesn’t need to be harsh or restrictive.
Often, the most helpful approaches are simple:
- warming herbal teas
- herbs that gently stimulate digestion and bile flow
- calming the nervous system before meals
- creating consistency rather than chasing quick fixes
Herbal teas used regularly can help encourage movement, reduce stagnation, and support the gut–hormone relationship over time.
Understanding the bigger picture
If bloating feels cyclical, persistent, or linked to other symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, or sleep disruption, it’s worth looking at hormones as part of the picture.
We’ve created a simple resource to help you understand how hormonal patterns show up in the body — including digestion.
And if you’re looking for gentle digestive support, you can explore our tea and tincture rituals designed to work with your body, not against it.
Small, consistent support often makes the biggest difference.