Bloating with endometriosis, known as "endo belly," is severe, painful abdominal swelling caused by inflammation from endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus, leading to gas, fluid retention, and digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea, often worsening around periods. This extreme bloating, which can make one look pregnant, results from inflammation, altered gut microbiome (like SIBO), adhesions, and hormonal shifts, causing significant discomfort, pain, and pressure. Management includes heat, rest, dietary changes (avoiding triggers), gentle movement, and addressing underlying inflammation with medical guidance.
Endometriosis does not just cause basic bloating. Your abdomen becomes so distended that you double over in pain and feel like something is stabbing you in the stomach. Someone I spoke to likened the pain to labor, or a wire hanger scraping her insides.
Inflammatory proteins from endometriosis can travel to the bladder and bowels, causing nausea during your period as well as diarrhea, constipation, or pain with urination throughout the month. “There's also overlap between endometriosis and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome,” Dr. Kossl says.
During pregnancy, endometriosis can improve but it often comes back later and may cause problems becoming pregnant again.
While bloating is a common and persistent issue for those with endometriosis, there are ways to help manage and reduce bloating effectively.
Endo belly typically worsens around the time of menstruation, as the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate symptoms [20]. In IBS, bloating can occur in response to various triggers, including certain foods, stress, and gut motility issues. It may not follow a predictable monthly cycle [17,18].
The most common signs of endometriosis are pain and infertility. Endometriosis pain typically presents as: Painful menstrual cramps that may go into the abdomen (stomach) or lower back. Pain during or after sex.
DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Endometriosis:
DO take pills as instructed by your health care provider. DO see your health care provider regularly. DO exercise and take ibuprofen or similar drugs to help relieve painful periods and cramps. DO call your health care provider if treatment isn't helping symptoms.
Currently, the only way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy – a minor minimally invasive surgical procedure that is done under general anesthesia (while the patient is asleep).
Women with Stage I and II endometriosis may become pregnant on their own, however, medical studies do suggest that if laparoscopy is done in women who have infertility, they are more likely to have endometriosis than women who become pregnant with no difficulty.
Endometriosis can lead to difficulties conceiving. Other common symptoms may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, acid reflux, dizziness, headaches and migraines.
pain when you poo or pee. pain during or after sex. extreme tiredness (fatigue) pain or bleeding in other areas, such as in the chest, which may cause shortness of breath and coughing up blood.
Takeaways. Endo belly is severe swelling of the abdomen (belly) in people with endometriosis. It's linked to inflammation, gut sensitivity, and digestive changes. Bloating and distension may flare in the weeks before your period or last all month.
Some people have a bloated stomach for a long period of time due to gastrointestinal tract disease, including gastritis, gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer, parasitic infection, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal dysfunction, and other system disorders such as thyroid and diabetes, which can ...
'Endo belly' is generally characterised by having a tight, swollen belly, that's often hard to the touch. In some cases, it can even look like you're pregnant.
We advise women who are worried that they have endometriosis to visit their GP. Your doctor can refer you for a pelvic ultrasound scan, which has a look at the ovaries and womb. A normal ultrasound scan does not exclude endometriosis.
Does a pap smear test for endometriosis? No, a pap smear cannot detect endometriosis. To test for endometriosis, a pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, or laparoscopy may be performed.
Linzagolix will provide a new treatment option for those who have been unable to manage the condition using other standard treatments. Women's Health Minister Baroness Merron said: “This could be a game-changer for thousands of women battling endometriosis, which can be a debilitating and life-limiting condition.
Anti-inflammatory foods have been shown in studies to help reduce endometriosis symptoms. Consume a diet high in leafy greens and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids (found in foods such as fish, nuts, and seeds), and green tea. Limit your intake of high-FODMAP foods, gluten, and dairy.
Endometriosis flare-up
These flare-ups can occur due to hormonal changes, particularly during menstruation. Stress, diet, or lack of rest can also trigger a flare-up. During these episodes, endometrial tissue outside the uterus becomes inflamed, leading to discomfort.
Exercise with low impact like walking can help with endometriosis symptoms. Walking can lessen pain and discomfort because it lowers stress and increases blood flow.
The exact cause of endometriosis isn't clear. But some possible causes include: Retrograde menstruation. This is when menstrual blood flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body.
There are various forms of synthetic progesterone called, “progestins” that are used to treat endometriosis. When treating young women, we prefer to start with a daily pill, such as a progesterone “birth control pill” sometimes referred to as a “mini-pill” or norethindrone acetate (Aygestin®).
Whereas, with endometriosis, the symptoms peak with the menstrual cycle. The first line of treatment are over the counter medicines (NSAIDS like Motrin). Usually people have already tried this when they visit their doctor.