Why are you more bloated the week before your period? 🥴

The answer? 👉🏻Progesterone.

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries and corpus luteum. Its primary functions are to maintain cycle regularity and stabilize the uterine wall in the event pregnancy occurs.

In the 2nd half of our cycle (called the luteal phase), progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. This drastic increase in progesterone (see chart above) results in a REDUCTION⬇️ in bowel motility. Reduced bowel motility = MORE constipation❌, water retention💧, and unwanted BLOAT😵‍💫!

So what can you do about it?

✨ Cycle Sync: This will ensure you're giving your body the nutrients it needs to support this hormonal change in your body, and help you feel BETTER in your body.

🥦 Eat insoluble fiber: Insoluble fiber won't absorb water and helps push things through the gut to improve constipation. (Think: blackberries, raspberries, kiwi, pineapple, cruciferous veggies, dark leafy greens, eggplant, legumes, lentils)

💧Stay hydrated: Water helps soften stool making it easier to pass which decreases constipation, water retention, and bloating.

🧂Reduce salt intake: This will keep water in the intestines to help soften your stool, and will also minimize excess water retention.

We take a DEEP dive into everything hormone and cycle syncing related in my Comprehensive Nutrition Program. This program was designed for women who want to address the ROOT cause of their symptoms and change their “normal” bloating, constipation, acne, etc. into feeling HEALTHY and GOOD in their bodies.

My holiday special includes this program plus functional testing for your gut and/or your sex hormones and adrenals. Link in bio for more information!