Experiencing bloating and flatulence during your periods, particularly after dairy? It could be more than just PMS! Let's address the influential role dairy has on the gut and what that means to the menstrual cycle.
Understand Why Your Gut Is Not Best Friends With Dairy
If you’ve ever felt bloated, gassy, or just plain uncomfortable after eating dairy, there’s a good chance lactose intolerance is at play. This means your body doesn’t have enough of the enzyme lactase to break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy. And these undigested lactose ferments in your gut start exhibiting symptoms like bloating and gas.
But even if you’re not lactose intolerant, dairy can still be a problem. Some individuals report gut irritation from dairy that causes inflammation and an imbalance of good bacteria. When the gut is unhappy, it can cause all sorts of additional complications, including your menstrual cycle.
The Relation Between Gut And Menstrual Cycle
Here is where things get exciting. Your gut is not merely about digesting food; it also plays a significant role in regulating hormones. If your gut health is compromised, it can disrupt your hormone levels—particularly with estrogen. If your body cannot fully metabolise and excrete any excess estrogen, you may find that your periods are longer and heavier, experience more mood swings and period cramps.
On the flip side, when your gut is in good shape, it helps keep your hormones balanced. This means a smoother, more predictable menstrual cycle with fewer of those annoying PMS symptoms. ‘Yay’ for happy hormones!
Could Dairy Be Messing with Your Period?
So, if dairy is causing chaos in your gut, it might also be throwing off your menstrual cycle. For some, dairy can lead to inflammation, which in turn affects hormone levels. This can result in irregular periods, heavier flows, and more painful menstrual cramps. Not exactly what you signed up for, right?
Some women find that cutting back on dairy—or eliminating it altogether—helps ease these symptoms. It’s all about finding what works best for your body.
So, Should You Quit Dairy?
We are not suggesting that you totally eliminate dairy foods from your diet. But if you are experiencing digestive issues or irregular menstrual cycles, it might help to try reducing your dairy intake and observing how your body responds. Start small—swap out regular milk for a plant-based option like almond or oat milk. Try lactose-free products and see how you feel.
Listen to your body. You might have found your answer if you notice improvements in your gut health and menstrual symptoms. And if you don’t? No harm, no foul—you can always return to your usual routine.
Final Thoughts
Due to the diversity of human bodies, no one can tell you what you should eat and the proper amounts to eat, there is a tension between recommendations and practice. The bottom line is to just notice your feelings after eating something and make good choices when it comes to your gut and menstrual health.
Take care of yourself, and here’s to happy, healthy days ahead!
