Swollen belly and menopause: why this phenomenon and how to reduce it?

Menopause is a physical and hormonal change that occurs in women, usually around the age of 50. This period, which marks the end of menstruation, can be accompanied by various problems and symptoms such as hot flashes, feelings of irritability, night sweats, or even abdominal bloating.

There are natural solutions and tips to reduce the phenomenon of a swollen belly during menopause.

Why can menopause cause a bloated belly?

A swollen belly during menopause can be triggered by several factors:

• Water retention

• Intestinal transit

• Slowing down metabolism

All of these factors are impacted by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause, including the significant drop in estrogen and progesterone.

Why does the belly swell at 50?

Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for fluid management and digestion, among other things. Therefore, when their levels decrease during menopause, several body parts and mechanisms are affected. Water balance becomes unstable and can cause water retention problems.

A bloated belly can also be caused by a slower metabolism. The body burns less fat and its muscle mass decreases, which increases fat storage. Finally, hormonal imbalances can lead to intestinal problems, as transit slows down and becomes more difficult.

Some women experience these bloatings during digestion, and feel their transit complicated with sometimes abdominal pain and other symptoms like constipation, or even flatulence. The impact of menopause on irritable bowel syndrome is not proven, however, it is common to feel general discomfort in the digestive system during this period and the link does exist.

It is important to differentiate between temporary swelling, which can occur after a meal, and long-term weight gain, which is linked to fat storage and a slowing of metabolism during menopause.

How to reduce belly fat during menopause?

A bloated stomach during menopause can be relieved with natural tips and daily habits. Diet, hydration, physical activity, and lifestyle must be adapted to promote better digestive comfort and limit bloating.

What natural treatments are there for a swollen belly during menopause?

Natural solutions for a swollen belly during menopause:

• Maintain adequate hydration to avoid water retention by promoting elimination. It is recommended to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day.

• Opt for an anti-bloating diet rich in soft fiber to support digestion. For example, fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, berries, carrots, and lettuce are recommended. Conversely, it's best to avoid excessively fatty foods like fried foods, cold cuts, or meat dishes with sauce, which slow down digestion.

• Choose a suitable physical activity. Walking and gentle practices like yoga or Pilates promote digestion and bowel movements. They also help reduce stress, a factor that also plays a role in bloating during menopause.

What essential oils can help reduce belly fat?

There are essential oils to relieve a swollen stomach:

• Peppermint: It helps relieve digestive problems thanks to its antispasmodic, anti-nausea, and analgesic properties. It reduces stomach aches, bloating, and stomach cramps. It can be consumed orally by adding 1 to 2 drops to a spoonful of honey or onto a sugar cube, or applied to the stomach mixed with a vegetable oil.

• Mandarin essential oil: it is effective in boosting transit, and thus reducing problems of constipation and aerophagia. To aid digestion, it can be consumed 3 times a day in a little honey or on a sugar cube (2 drops maximum per dose).

• Exotic basil essential oil: it is stimulating and anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce symptoms of indigestion, and calms intestinal inflammation. Three times a day, it can be taken orally in honey, or massaged on the stomach mixed with a vegetable oil.

Heaviness in the lower abdomen during menopause: a common sensation?

It's important to understand lower abdominal heaviness during menopause so you can properly relieve it. Abdominal heaviness is often caused by diet and hormonal imbalances. It's sometimes associated with pain and discomfort. It's important to differentiate this from bloating and water retention, which are primarily caused by an unhealthy diet, lack of hydration, or a sedentary lifestyle.

Other, more medical causes can explain heaviness in the lower abdomen, for example, gastric irritation, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach inflammation, or even food intolerances. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a doctor to perform the appropriate tests.

How to get a flat stomach during menopause?

In order to regain a flat stomach during menopause and experience this period serenely, certain tips can be put in place:

• Reduce your salt intake

• Hydrate sufficiently

• Practice an adapted sporting activity

• Favor foods rich in fiber and potassium

• Controlling your stress for overall well-being

These tips help prevent bloating and a swollen stomach, and reduce fat storage in the belly.

Why do we have a big belly during menopause?

In addition to hormonal causes, other factors can cause feelings of bloating in the abdomen during menopause. For example, a slowed digestive system or unstable bowel movements can cause bloating and bouts of constipation.

Menopause and constipation, what are the solutions?

Constipation is a common problem during menopause. It is primarily related to a lack of progesterone, which slows down the colon and causes stools to dry out and become more difficult to eliminate.

To naturally limit constipation during menopause, it's important to establish healthy eating habits: eat fiber, eat fruits that promote bowel movements, and eat meals at regular times. You should also stay hydrated, and chew thoroughly during meals to avoid acid reflux and abdominal pain.

Dietary supplements and natural solutions to support digestive balance

There are natural solutions to help you cope better with menopause and avoid abdominal bloating.

Equilibrist has developed menopause food supplements , specifically designed from natural active ingredients to soothe the discomforts of menopause and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

A swollen belly during menopause is one of the common symptoms experienced by women during this time. It is primarily linked to hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen and progesterone, which affects the digestive system and slows it down.

There are simple tips to reduce menopausal bloating and other associated hormonal issues like bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain. For example, adapt your diet and prioritize fiber, drink enough water to promote bowel movements, and maintain adequate physical activity.

Discover our herbal food supplements for menopause , natural solutions to help you feel calm and better navigate this phase.