Saalt

If you’ve ever felt like your jeans mysteriously shrink mid-month, you’re not imagining things—period bloating is real and frustrating. This common symptom is driven by hormonal shifts throughout your menstrual cycle, especially fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone that can cause your body to retain water and slow digestion. But understanding how bloating changes week by week can help you feel more in control. At Saalt, we believe knowledge is power. Whether you’re a teen, a postpartum mom, or anyone navigating life’s stages, our goal is to support your cycle with comfort and confidence. That’s why we created a week-by-week breakdown of what to expect when it comes to bloating, plus tips to ease the discomfort. From the premenstrual phase to ovulation and back again, each week brings a new hormonal rhythm. Some weeks may leave you feeling puffier than others, but small adjustments like staying hydrated, reducing sodium, and moving your body can make a big difference. And when lea...

Post-period bloating is a common experience driven by hormonal fluctuations, dietary habits, and stress. After menstruation, rising estrogen levels cause the body to retain water and salt, while lingering progesterone can slow digestion—both contributing to that familiar bloated feeling. Stress, by raising cortisol levels, can further disrupt digestion and increase bloating. Diet plays a major role, too. High-sodium and sugary foods can cause water retention and feed gas-producing gut bacteria. Reducing processed foods, avoiding fizzy drinks, and incorporating potassium-rich options like bananas and spinach can help. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced fiber intake also supports digestive health and reduces bloat. Water retention, the key culprit, is your body’s reaction to hormonal shifts and sodium levels. To combat it, drink more water, cut down on salt, and get moving—exercise helps flush excess fluid. If bloating persists beyond a few days or worsens, it may signal a deep...