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How can I Minimize Menopause Bloating?

By Erica Stratton
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,417
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Treating menopause bloating can be difficult, but diet changes and medication may help to lessen the symptoms. Drinking less water is one way to combat menopause bloating. So is avoiding salt, which can absorb water and hold it in the body. In addition, there are some over-the counter diuretics which can be taken, as well as natural cures such as dandelion tea. If the bloating is excessive, it may be a sign of a weak heart or weak kidneys, which will need to be checked out by a doctor.

Menopause bloating can be caused by many different hormonal changes happening in your body. The same hormones which cause water retention will be released at random times during menopause, causing someone to begin retaining water without a probable cause. Hormone replacements used to treat menopause can also result in increased estrogen levels, which can cause water retention.

Another cause of menopause bloating is gas. Doctors are not entirely sure what causes an increase in intestinal gas during menopause. It may be a result of the loss of hormones, which could increase bacteria in the gut, or the result of changes in diet. After menopause, many women make an effort to eat more fruits, vegetables, and yogurt, which are high in fiber. The sudden dietary changes can cause an increase in intestinal bacteria, which leads to gas.

To combat flatulence, the sufferer can cut down on or cut out foods that are particularly high in gas-causing fiber, like wheat, cauliflower, and beans. Tofu and yogurt can also cause gas. If there is a great deal more gas than normal even without dietary changes, over-the-counter drugs can be used.

Another cause of menopause bloating could be lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is when a person is unable to digest the sugars in milk. It can develop with age, even if someone has never had problems drinking it before. The gas and bloating can be controlled by cutting down on the amount of milk you drink, taking medication for it that will help break down the sugars, or avoiding milk altogether.

Menopause can lead to weight gain. As levels of testosterone and other hormones drop as a result of menopause, the metabolism slows. Since weight gain post-menopause is usually carried in the stomach, it can give the appearance of bloating. The increased fat content may have a purpose in that it allows a way for the body to create more estrogen. Women can cut down the bloated look by trying to shed pounds with healthy eating and exercise.

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Discussion Comments
By Fa5t3r — On Mar 13, 2013

Whatever you do, don't just sit and suffer through the symptoms of menopause. I remember my mother basically refused to talk about it with her doctor and just tried to ignore all the menopause bloating and hot flushes and so forth.

Your doctor probably won't be able to help with everything, but they can definitely help with some things and you deserve to have someone help you with what you're going through. Yes, a lot of other women have made it through over the years, but that's no reason not to take care of yourself.

By umbra21 — On Mar 12, 2013

@Ana1234 - Well, you have to be careful with sage tea because it works almost too well in some cases. It is good for hot flashes but it suppresses fever too well if you are actually sick. It might make you worse or even be dangerous because you feel like you don't have a fever even when you do.

Honestly, though, you really shouldn't worry too much about this. I think women worry too much about what they look like, even when they are going through a normal process of menopause changes. Very few people will even notice if you are slightly bloated and even the ones who do will generally not mind either way.

I've always thought that if anyone was nasty enough to judge me on something like that, I could care less about their opinion anyway.

By Ana1234 — On Mar 12, 2013

I don't know if you should drink less water when you are bloating. It's usually not really happening because of drinking too much water and being dehydrated can make symptoms worse. I wouldn't drink huge amounts, just a normal amount, along with things like tea and other mild diuretics. Sage tea is excellent for menopause anyway, because it helps with the hot flushes.

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