Does anyone experience very painful bloating which feels like trapped gas in their upper abdomen in the days leading up to their period? Any tips on what might help?
– Christine, NY
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36Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
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Beth5 years ago
I do, but it can sometimes start about 10 days before my period. I take mintec capsules - they are basically peppermint capsules that you take about 30 minutes before you eat. I had my first box from my GP but you can buy them as they’re not a prescription thing. They really help me and after just one day of taking them I feel better. You can get mint tablets but they dissolve in your stomach which doesn’t really do the job. The mintec ones are slow release so dissolve in your intestines which is exactly where you can get trapped wind and bloating. Hope that helps!
Diana Dally5 years ago
Yes thank you
Milliesun5 years ago
I’ve noticed this the last couple of months! In fact I woke up at 3am this morning with what felt like mild heartburn but is was trapped wind as moved downwards! Period arrived today! Never had heartburn before (even when pregnant). It’s gone now but something I’ve definitely noticed since turning 50....
Laura5 years ago
I started getting this about two months ago. the first time was really uncomfortable. I kept drinking water thinking it would help but I got worse. I noticed that the last three months it’s happened and then I have to lay down etc. I took gas tabs etc but they didn’t do the job. i’m going to try the item the other commenter suggested.
Menopausal mum5 years ago
Yes! I do... I thought it was just me! I made the fatal mistake of Googling it and all I found lead to various types of cancer.? When I started with the peri menopause, I asked my GP if I needed to watch out for anything & was told, “no, most women sail through the menopause, you’ll be fine!” (I am not fine!?)
Shannon5 years ago
I made that same mistake!! I have diagnosed myself with anything and everything!! ??
Ali5 years ago
Same!!! Google was/is my worst enemy!
Tonia5 years ago
Oh my grarous! Yes. I take a teaspoon of vinegar and everything gets back to normal.
Santina5 years ago
Yes the vinegar helps and I’m drinking more water I feel full all the time but my stomach looks like I’m 3 months pregnant I can’t button my pants it’s awful
Jennreplying to Santina5 years ago
What kind and how much vinegar? This bloat is the worst!!!!!?
Alireplying to Santina5 years ago
I feel and look the same too!! It is awful!!!
Kg5 years ago
Hi, Yes I too struggled with high trapped gas. I went to an Acupuncturist and she suggested upping my fish oil and eating Nancy’s yogurt before bed. This has worked well. Good luck. Xo, Kg
Shannon5 years ago
So fish oil helps?? I have horrible trapped gas up high under my ribs. And sometimes it feels like a burning sensation.
Karenreplying to Shannon5 years ago
Me too - it travels from under left ribs to side flank. Can last days.. then disappears then comes back...
Sparklereplying to Shannon5 years ago
I get this too. I was beginning to wonder if I have a more serious problem. I have started to pile on fat around my middle and the gas and bloating has been horrid the last few weeks. I am looking at my diet and also trying to find exercise I cna do to stop it. I have been cycling a lot recently and I normally lose weight doing it but not now. I just get bigger and bigger. It is so uncomfortable. My GP doesn’t help they just tell me to accept it.
Pattyreplying to Sparkle4 years ago
What providers seem to fail to recognize is that even if you “accept” it, it still feels horrible and would be nice to have solutions to improve the feeling.
Vicky5 years ago
Every. Single. Morning. But mine is lower abdomen. Also getting reflux in the afternoon and at night. Back to sleeping with two pillows.
JZ5 years ago
I started taking a basic pre/probiotics and it helped
Liz5 years ago
Yes! The day before my ( very late ) period my bloating& trapped gas is very uncomfortable, regular pants even too tight!
Colleen5 years ago
Yes especially yesterday
Dee5 years ago
I suffer with IBS so know too well the pain and discomfort of bloating! In fact my bloating symptoms, along with heartburn and indigestion, have become worse as I’m going through the peri-M. The disruption of the hormones can cause bloating during this time. Probiotics, Peppermint tea and yoga all help. Roll on the menopause as apparently you should experience far less or no bloating when you’re out the other side.
Ali B5 years ago
I use weighted hoop to help my body naturally move this uncomfortable pain ! Do it for a few mins and I find it certainly calming
Jennifer5 years ago
I have noticed the same thing. Fish oil has not helped nor has probiotics. I’ve tried digestive enzymes. They help a little but I have to take 3.
Nell5 years ago
Yes totally. Under left breast rib burning pain. yoga helps as I have IBS and suffer heartburn generally too. very bloatrd most days. Have anxiety with all the different pains and sensations I have. Thank god for this website. has eased my worries
Sparkle5 years ago
I have the same pain, under left rib and sometimes with a burning pain which passes once I eat something. The GP just says it’s ibs and to accept it. I can’t sit down properly and have to lie down. So debilitating.
Laz5 years ago
Yes found this discussion today and very reassuring - really helping me so thank you all xx exactly same symptoms here and foods that used to be no problem now have such an effect - nuts, cheese, ice cream, bananas.. list seems to go on.
Smudge5 years ago
Yes, usually waking me up at 3 or 4 am and need to get up and walk around and then belch and later offgas (diving speak). I had not thought it was cyclical but will check. Started listing foods that create this reaction, (bacon, eggs, etc) and adjusted my eating of main meal to earlier in the day. Managed to sleep well by raising myself up in bed on many pillows. I have taken other things like indigestion relief tablets but the best for me is Pepto Bismol tablets - discovered them whilst working in US. I think they are on sale in UK as well now.
Polly5 years ago
Oh my gosh, I am experiencing the same thing.. I ‘m glad I’ m not alone.. thank you so much ladies for the helpful tips!! ??
Ellie5 years ago
Oh my day’s so glad l have just seen this! I also thought something else was wrong with me phew!! ? like Smudge suggested l might have my evening meal a bit earlier and see if this helps. Really l uncomfortable ? makes me feel like am ? thanks for all the tips ladies ? menopause symptoms not easy at all ?
Rebekah5 years ago
Yes! Horribly bloated. I do “yoga for digestion” with Adriene on Youtube and it helps me to pass the gas. It also helps to lay flat on sofa and use my heating pad.
Marge5 years ago
For me, extra strength my Lanta works wonders. Also sometimes it depends what I eat. Fatty food seems to make it much worse. It’s only became a problem after I hit menopause so go figure!
Chaselee5 years ago
Totally agree with peppermint capsules already mentioned. And peppermint tea.
Nicole5 years ago
Oh my word. I suffer bloating and trapped gas days before my period . I was worried I had some sort of gastric illness. Thank you all for sharing your stories. I feel ready to face menopause bloating and know I am not alone! ?
Lori4 years ago
I am experiencing this as well to the point I tried lying on stomach and I felt like I could feel something swollen in my upper abdomen and it scared me to death. I too am wondering if this is trapped gas.
Patty4 years ago
I feel these symptoms too and I’m addition, feel some bladder pressure and need to frequently urinate. It’s anxiety provoking, all these changes. And yes, googling symptoms often uncovers scary diagnosis, so better to stay away! I love this community of sharing here, to feel less alone.
CJ3 years ago
Hi has anyone experienced severe bloating since starting HRT. I rarely suffered from but nearly two months in and I’m in agony. I’m trying peppermint tea, charcoal, excericed and hot water bootle. At times I’m on so much pain I can hardly move and have to just lie down until it subsides. I am also experiencing a constant pain in my left lower abdomen just above my hip. Seems too be connected