Why does abdominal bloating and increased flatulence occur before menstruation, and what can be done about it?

Generally speaking, "lugu" refers to menstruation, "belly bloating" refers to abdominal distension, and "passing gas" refers to flatulence. Abdominal distension and increased flatulence before menstruation may be caused by hormonal changes, dietary habits, indigestion, intestinal flora imbalance, lactose intolerance, and other factors. Treatment options include general therapy, medication, and others. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Hormonal Changes

During the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations affect the contractility of intestinal smooth muscles, slowing the movement of food through the intestines and causing gas accumulation in the gut, which leads to bloating and increased flatulence. It is recommended to adjust your diet and reduce the intake of gas-producing foods such as beans and onions.

2. Dietary Habits

Before and after menstruation, food preferences may change, and excessive consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, or hard-to-digest foods can burden the gastrointestinal system. It is important to maintain a balanced diet in daily life, eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to aid intestinal motility.

3. Indigestion

Indigestion is associated with overeating or consuming excessive greasy foods, which prolongs food retention in the intestines and leads to excessive gas production, causing bloating and increased flatulence, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as post-meal fullness and early satiety. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as compound digestive enzyme capsules, multienzyme tablets, or Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets may be used for treatment.

4. Imbalance of Intestinal Flora

Changes in the composition and bacterial activity of intestinal flora can lead to intestinal flora imbalance and gastrointestinal dysfunction, resulting in bloating and increased flatulence, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, Bacillus licheniformis viable capsules, or Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets may be used for treatment.

5. Lactose Intolerance

Reduced lactase secretion may cause lactose intolerance; some women may have difficulty digesting lactose, and consuming lactose-containing foods before and after menstruation can worsen the above symptoms. Symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea may occur after drinking milk. In daily life, intake of dairy products should be limited, and low-lactose or lactose-free alternatives should be chosen.

In daily life, attention should be paid to food hygiene, adjustment of dietary habits, eating at regular times and in moderate amounts, appropriate supplementation of dietary fiber, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, avoiding greasy, spicy, and gas-producing foods, and engaging in moderate exercise to promote intestinal motility.