Abdominal bloating not caused by pregnancy may be due to endo belly, which refers to severe bloating from endometriosis. Medications and diet changes can help you manage the symptoms.
Endo belly, or endometriosis belly, is a term that describes the uncomfortable, often painful, swelling and bloating associated with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called the endometrium, is found outside the uterus where it doesn’t belong.
Research estimates endometriosis affects more than
- diarrhea
- nausea
- constipation
- bloating
Continue reading to learn about endo belly and other endometriosis symptoms, along with remedies and treatment options that may help.
In people with endometriosis, the endometrial-like tissue located outside the uterus acts in the same way the endometrium does: It builds up, then breaks down, and bleeds each month, just like the lining of your uterus.
But because this tissue doesn’t have a way to leave your body, it gets trapped. The surrounding tissue can become inflamed and irritated, which can cause scar tissue to form. It can also cause the tissue inside the pelvis to stick together.
Endometriosis may cause abdominal bloating for various reasons, including:
- A buildup of endometrial-like tissue can cause inflammation in the abdomen, resulting in swelling, water retention, and bloating.
- Endometrial-like tissue can cover or grow into the ovaries. When this happens, trapped blood can form cysts, which may cause bloating.
- Those with endometriosis are more prone to alterations in the gut microbiome, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which may also lead to bloating.
- Endometriosis
can causeTrusted Source issues with digestion, such as constipation and gas.
The main symptom of endo belly is severe bloating, especially during or right before your period.
Bloating is when the abdomen fills with air or gas, making it look larger. It may also feel tight or hard to the touch.
Endo belly can cause discomfort, pain, and pressure in your abdomen and back. The lower abdomen can swell for days, weeks, or just a few hours.
Many people who experience endo belly say they “look pregnant,” even though they’re not.
Endo belly is just one symptom of endometriosis. Those who experience endo belly often have other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:
Most self-care measures for endo belly involve making changes to your diet. Some options include:
- following a low FODMAP diet and avoiding high FODMAP foods, such as wheat, dairy, legumes, and certain fruits and vegetables, to ease bloating and gas
- avoiding inflammatory foods, such as ultra-processed foods, red meat, gluten, dairy, alcohol, and caffeine, in favor of foods with anti-inflammatory properties
- drinking peppermint tea or ginger tea to relieve digestive issues and pain
- increasing fiber intake to prevent constipation
You can relieve endo belly by managing endometriosis, the underlying condition that can cause your abdomen to swell. You can work with an endometriosis specialist to find a treatment option that works for you.
Treatment options for endometriosis can include:
- supplemental hormones or birth control pills to help regulate monthly hormonal changes that promote tissue growth outside the uterus
- gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH), which may help block the production of estrogen, which stimulates the ovaries
- danazol (Danocrine), a synthetic androgen that may help inhibit certain types of hormones
- laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery to remove the tissue growing outside the uterus
- hysterectomy and oophorectomy (removing the uterus or the ovaries, respectively), typically only for those with severe, untreatable pain who don’t want to get pregnant in the future
Getting the right diagnosis when you have a bloated abdomen is important, especially if the bloating:
- happens frequently
- lasts longer than a couple of days
- is accompanied by pain
To diagnose the cause of the bloating, a doctor typically conducts a pelvic exam to assess your abdomen for cysts or scars behind the uterus.
An abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound can help your doctor see images of the inside of your pelvic area. This can help your doctor determine whether scar tissue, cysts, or other issues are causing your bloated belly.
Endometriosis is typically diagnosed through a laparoscopy.
Even if you’ve received a diagnosis of endometriosis, many conditions can cause a bloated belly. These include:
Gas in your digestive tract often leads to bloating. This happens when your body breaks down undigested food. Foods that may cause a lot of gas include:
- beans
- whole grains, like wheat or oats
- dairy products
- vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
- sodas
- fruits
If you have any of the following symptoms along with persistent bloating, consider making an appointment to talk with a doctor:
- severe stomach pain, especially after eating
- blood in stool
- high fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- vomiting
- unexplained weight loss
Many nonprofit organizations offer support, patient advocacy, educational resources, and research about new advancements in endometriosis.
In the United States, check out:
Outside the United States, check out:
If you have endometriosis, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Online support groups or local in-person meetups can help empower you and offer insight into symptoms and treatment.
If you want to reach out for support, you may want to try these groups:
Endo belly refers to the painful abdominal bloating associated with endometriosis.
You can manage the symptoms of endo belly with medications and dietary measures. Managing endometriosis, the underlying condition, can also help treat endo belly.
If you have abdominal bloating that’s painful, frequent, or lasts longer than a few days, be sure to speak with your doctor.
It’s also important to remember that other conditions can cause a bloated or swollen belly. A doctor can help diagnose the cause and prescribe an effective treatment plan.
