Do you feel more bloated than before? Do you notice that your abdomen is more swollen, that your legs feel heavy at the end of the day or that you retain fluids more easily, even if you maintain the same habits as always? If you are going through perimenopause, or think you might be entering this stage, it is possible that these changes have a hormonal explanation.
Perimenopause is a transition period that precedes menopause and can begin several years before menstruation stops. Although hot flashes and mood swings are usually the best-known symptoms, there are other less obvious signs that affect daily well-being. Swelling is one of them and, for many women, one of the most annoying.
What happens in the body during perimenopause?
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate irregularly. These hormones not only intervene in reproductive function, but also influence circulation, metabolism, digestion and fluid balance in the body.
As a result, the body may respond in ways that were not common before. Many women experience physical changes that appear gradually and are sometimes mistakenly attributed to aging, stress or lack of exercise.
However, behind these changes there is usually a hormonal basis that deserves to be understood.
The relationship between hormones and fluid retention
One of the most common reasons for bloating during perimenopause is fluid retention. Hormonal fluctuations can alter the body's ability to regulate water and sodium, causing tissues to accumulate more fluid than usual.
This can manifest itself in different ways:
- Sensation of swollen abdomen.
- Swelling in legs and ankles.
- More swollen fingers or hands.
- Feeling of body heaviness.
- Weight variations from one day to the next.
It is important to note that this sensation is not always related to an increase in body fat. Many times it is simply a temporary accumulation of fluids that causes discomfort and a sensation of volume.
When circulation also changes
In addition to hormonal alterations, circulation can be affected during this stage. Venous return and lymphatic drainage can become less efficient, favoring the accumulation of fluids in certain areas of the body.
For this reason, many women describe symptoms such as:
- Tired legs at the end of the day.
- Sensation of pressure in the ankles.
- Discomfort when sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Inflammation that worsens with heat.
Although these changes are usually gradual, they can significantly affect your sense of well-being and daily energy.
The role of digestion in bloating
Perimenopause can also influence the digestive system. Some women notice that foods that they previously tolerated perfectly begin to cause discomfort, gas or a feeling of heaviness.
Hormonal fluctuations can slow down intestinal transit and alter the balance of the intestinal microbiota, favoring abdominal inflammation. As a result, it is common to feel the abdomen more distended even after light meals.
This combination of fluid retention and digestive changes causes many women to feel like they are constantly bloated, even if they maintain a balanced diet.
A symptom that affects emotional well-being
Bloating is not just a physical issue. It can also have a significant emotional impact.
When the body changes without a clear explanation, it is normal to experience frustration. Many women feel that they no longer recognize their silhouette or that the efforts that previously worked to feel light and comfortable no longer produce the same results.
Understanding that these changes are part of a hormonal transition helps reduce the feeling of uncertainty and allows you to approach the problem from a more realistic and body-friendly perspective.
How to relieve the feeling of bloating
Although perimenopause is a natural process, there are strategies that can help reduce your symptoms and improve quality of life.
Some recommendations include:
- Maintain adequate hydration.
- Reduce excessive consumption of salt and ultra-processed foods.
- Perform physical activity on a regular basis.
- Prioritize rest and recovery.
- Manage stress through relaxation or mindfulness techniques.
- Promote good circulation, avoiding long periods of immobility.
These habits can make a significant difference when maintained consistently.
Pressotherapy as a support to feel lighter
In addition to healthy habits, more and more women are turning to complementary treatments that help improve circulation and fluid drainage. Among them, pressotherapy has become one of the most valued options.
The pressotherapy uses controlled air pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote venous return. Through a sequential and uniform massage, it helps the body to mobilize accumulated fluids and improve the feeling of lightness.
Among its main benefits are:
- Promote lymphatic drainage.
- Help reduce fluid retention.
- Improve the feeling of tired legs.
- Contribute to circulatory well-being.
- Provide a pleasant feeling of rest and relaxation.
For many women going through perimenopause, this type of care can become an effective complement to a comprehensive wellness routine.
Listen to body changes
Perimenopause marks the beginning of a new stage and, although the physical changes can be disconcerting at first, understanding their origin is essential to face them with greater peace of mind.
Bloating, fluid retention and a feeling of heaviness do not appear without reason. In many cases, they are the consequence of hormonal changes that affect circulation, fluid balance and digestive function.
Listening to your body, adapting habits to your new needs and relying on tools that promote well-being, such as pressotherapy, can help you experience this transition in a more comfortable and positive way.
In Airecover We understand that each stage of life requires different care. That is why we are committed to solutions that help improve the feeling of lightness, promote circulatory well-being and accompany women in the natural changes of their body, so that they can continue to feel good every day.
