Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Bloating?SymptomsDiagnosisOther GI IssuesTreatmentTriggersManagement

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Why Bloating?

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Other GI Issues

Treatment

Triggers

Management

Endometriosis bloating can occur at any time, but often happens:

This article will discuss the symptoms and causes of endo belly, how bloating due to endometriosis is diagnosed, triggers for endo belly, and ways it can be managed.

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A woman feeling discomfort and bloating.

Why Does Endometriosis Cause Bloating?

The buildup of endometriosis tissue can cause inflammation, scarring, and blood-filled ovarian cysts. Fibrous, “sticky” endometrial tissue can form and cause organs in the pelvis and abdomen to stick together (called adhesions).

Endometriosis tissue can alsoform on the bowel, the peritoneum (membranous lining of the abdomen and covering the intestines), the cul-de-sac/pouch of Douglas (small area of the peritoneum between the uterus and rectum), the rectum, small intestines, or appendix. This can irritate the organs and cause gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, constipation, painful bowel movements, and diarrhea, most notably during menstruation.

Endometriosis lesions (areas of endometrial tissue growth) do not have to be attached to the bowel to cause inflammation, bloating, and related symptoms.Inflammation of the intestines can slow the progression of food through the small intestine after eating, which can contribute to pain and bloating.

Endo Belly Symptoms

Endo belly refers to extreme abdominal bloating associated with endometriosis.

Symptoms of endo belly include:

Endo belly can feel different for each person. Symptoms can vary and range in severity and duration.

Telltale Symptoms of EndometriosisEndometriosis symptomscan vary, and not everyone experiences all of the symptoms. Some people with endometriosis do not experience symptoms at all. Common symptoms of endometriosis can include:Abdominal and/or pelvic painMenstrual periodsthat are heavy and/or irregularMenstrual cramps that can be very painfulClots larger than the size of a dimeBloatingFatiguePain during or after sexDigestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or pain with bowel movementsProblems with fertilityPain in the back,leg, or groinDepression

Telltale Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptomscan vary, and not everyone experiences all of the symptoms. Some people with endometriosis do not experience symptoms at all. Common symptoms of endometriosis can include:Abdominal and/or pelvic painMenstrual periodsthat are heavy and/or irregularMenstrual cramps that can be very painfulClots larger than the size of a dimeBloatingFatiguePain during or after sexDigestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or pain with bowel movementsProblems with fertilityPain in the back,leg, or groinDepression

Endometriosis symptomscan vary, and not everyone experiences all of the symptoms. Some people with endometriosis do not experience symptoms at all. Common symptoms of endometriosis can include:

If symptoms don’t improve within a few months or they are severe, your healthcare provider may do other diagnostic tests.

Imaging tests alone can’t be used todiagnose endometriosis, but they may be used to look for signs of the condition. These tests may include:

The only way to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis is throughsurgery. Typically this is done using a procedure calledlaparoscopy. During a laparoscopy, the surgeon will:

Endometriosis Bloating vs. Other GI Issues

Endo belly can have symptoms that mimic other gastrointestinal (GI) issues. People with endometriosis can also have comorbid (co-occurring) GI conditions.

The symptoms of bowel endometriosis can resembleirritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But with endometriosis, the symptoms can coincide with the menstrual cycle, getting worse in the days before and during menstruation. IBS symptoms that seem to have a monthly pattern may be a sign of endometriosis that’s affecting the bowel.

Looking at all possible causes of bloating and GI symptoms, and treating them together, if necessary, may help make symptom relief more effective.

Why Does Endo Belly Make You “Look Pregnant”?The bloating fromendo bellycan cause the abdomen to distend—sometimes drastically. During a flare, this extended belly can also feel hard to the touch. For some people, this makes them appear as if they are several months pregnant.Especially when swollen, endo belly can be very painful and debilitating.

Why Does Endo Belly Make You “Look Pregnant”?

The bloating fromendo bellycan cause the abdomen to distend—sometimes drastically. During a flare, this extended belly can also feel hard to the touch. For some people, this makes them appear as if they are several months pregnant.Especially when swollen, endo belly can be very painful and debilitating.

The bloating fromendo bellycan cause the abdomen to distend—sometimes drastically. During a flare, this extended belly can also feel hard to the touch. For some people, this makes them appear as if they are several months pregnant.

Especially when swollen, endo belly can be very painful and debilitating.

Relief for Bloating: Endometriosis Treatment

It’s important totreat endometriosisas a condition, not just look for symptom relief. Endometriosis may be treated with medication or with medical procedures.

Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) can help with pain management. If pain is not relieved with over-the-counter (OTC) medication, your healthcare provider can help you determine if you need prescription medication for pain relief.

Because endometriosis tissue responds to hormones in a similar way to the endometrial lining in the uterus, hormone-based treatment can be used to treat endometriosis in some cases. These medications may include:

Hormone treatments can have side effects and can affect yourability to get pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of hormonal therapy to see if it is right for you.

Surgery

Several surgical options exist for treating endometriosis.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is the most common surgical treatment for endometriosis. The initial procedure is the same as used to diagnose endometriosis. Some surgeons will treat endometriosis at the same time they diagnose it.

In some cases, a larger incision is needed. When a larger incision is used, the procedure is called alaparotomy.

Endometriosis tissue can grow back after these procedures, and repeat surgeries may be necessary.

Hysterectomy and/or Oophorectomy

Ahysterectomyremoves the uterus, while anoophorectomyremoves the ovaries. These procedures can be done separately or together.

Removal of the ovaries significantly lowers estrogen levels, which slows or stops endometrial tissue growth, and may put an end to endometriosis symptoms (though endometriosis can returnafter hysterectomyand/or oophorectomy).

Removal of the ovaries starts menopause and induces menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. It can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and bone disease.

These surgeries affectfertility. Talk to your healthcare provider about all of thebenefits and risksof these procedures.

Bowel Surgery

Surgery to removeendometrial tissuefrom the bowel may involve a bowel resection (removing part of the bowel), depending on the extent of treatment needed.

Occasionally, acolostomy(a bag attached to an opening created in the abdomen to collect feces) may be needed while the bowel heals, but this is usually temporary.

Triggers for endometriosis-related bloating can be very individual. In addition to the association with menstruation, people with endo belly may notice certain factors make symptoms worse.

Certain foodsmay aggravate endometriosis symptoms, such as inflammatory foods. Deciding onwhat dietto follow is an individual choice, and following a strict plan may be difficult. Keeping a food diary may help you detect if certain foods trigger or worsen your symptoms.

If you feel you need to cut out a lot of foods, talk to your healthcare provider about seeing a nutrition expert, such as a registered dietitian, to make sure you are getting adequate nutrition.

How to Manage Endometriosis Bloating At Home

Home remedieswon’t treat the endometriosis itself, but they can help manage symptoms and bring some relief.

Somehome management techniquesto try include:

Summary

Treating the condition in addition to symptom relief is important. Endometriosis can be treated using medications, such as pain relievers andhormone treatment. Surgery may also be used, including laparoscopy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and bowel surgery.

Symptoms may be relieved at home with remedies such as gentle exercising, applying heat, yoga and meditation exercises, and wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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