Endo belly—sometimes referred to as endometriosis-related bloating—is a symptom of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition can be painful and cause significant disruption to daily life. In this blog post, we’ll cover what endo belly is, its symptoms, and potential causes.
What is Endo Belly?
Endo belly is a common symptom of endometriosis in which individuals experience bloating or swelling in their abdominal region. The bloating often causes pain and discomfort. Some women may find that their stomachs look visibly larger during an episode of endo belly. This disorder can occur before or after menstruation and can last for days or weeks.
Symptoms of Endo Belly
In addition to bloating and swelling of the abdomen, other symptoms of endo belly may include pain in the lower back, cramping, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping due to discomfort. It’s important to note that not all women with endometriosis will experience endo belly.
Potential Causes of Endo Belly
The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, but there are several possible theories as to why it occurs. One theory is that hormones play a role in causing inflammation in the abdominal area; another suggests that the bacteria in the gut system can create severe bloating. Some others suggest that retrograde menstruation—in which menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen instead of out through the vagina—may be responsible for some cases. Yet another suggests immune system dysfunction or genetic factors could also be involved in causing endometriosis-related bloating. Regardless of the cause(s), it is a physically and mentally painful symptom.
Endo belly is a common symptom in many individuals with endometriosis. While the exact cause remains unclear, understanding how this condition affects your body can help you better manage your symptoms if you are one of those experiencing it. Suppose you are experiencing endo belly. In that case, we recommend speaking with your doctor as soon as possible so they can diagnose your condition correctly and provide an appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically for you.