Constipation & Bloating in Women: Is It Your Gut or Hormones?

Published on: 23/May/2024
Posted By: Arka Health

Why So Many Women Feel Bloated and Blocked

Let’s be honest—bloating and constipation are uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes even embarrassing.
If you’re feeling heavy, stuck, or swollen more days than not… something’s off.

The tricky part?
These symptoms could be caused by your gut, your hormones, or both working together.

What’s Really Going On With Constipation and Bloating?

Doctors often prescribe antacids, laxatives, anti-diarrheal medications, or even antidepressants for IBS. These may offer short-term relief, but they don’t fix what’s actually causing your gut to misbehave.

Think of it like this:
If your fire alarm keeps going off, would you remove the batteries—or find out what’s burning?

Medications quiet the alarm. But functional nutrition helps you find and fix the fire.

What Is Functional Nutrition?

Constipation means you’re not pooping regularly or it’s hard to go
Bloating feels like pressure, puffiness, or your stomach being stretched

These are some of the top complaints we hear from women—and they’re not just “normal” parts of life.

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities (anhedonia).
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness.
Irritability, frustration, or restlessness.
Changes in sleep patterns (difficulty sleeping or oversleeping).
Changes in appetite or unplanned weight fluctuations.
Fatigue, lack of energy, or feeling slowed down.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Physical aches, pains, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause.
Thoughts of death or suicide. (If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for immediate help. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or seek local emergency services.)

It’s important to remember that depression doesn’t look the same for everyone; symptoms can vary based on age, gender, and individual circumstances. Some might experience more irritability than sadness, while others might notice physical symptoms more prominently.

Gut vs. Hormones: Who’s the Real Culprit?

Both your digestive system and your hormones play a role in how your belly feels every day.

Think of it like this:

Your gut handles how food moves, digests, and exits
Your hormones affect how fast or slow that process happens—and even how much water or gas gets trapped

So, if you’re feeling off, it might not be either/or. It might be both.

When It’s a Gut Problem

Some signs that your digestive system needs support:

Bloating after eating
Feeling gassy or uncomfortable every day
Constipation for several days at a time
Food sensitivities or irregular bathroom habits

Possible causes:

Imbalanced gut bacteria (called dysbiosis)
Not enough fiber or water
Sluggish digestion or low stomach acid
Conditions like IBS or SIBO

When It’s a Hormone Problem

Here’s how hormones can mess with your digestion:

Estrogen can make you retain water and slow digestion
Progesterone, especially before your period, can make your bowels sluggish
Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to chronic constipation
Cortisol (your stress hormone) can throw everything off

Signs it’s hormone-related:

Bloating is worse before your period
Your cycle is irregular or heavy
You feel tired, foggy, or moody
You have PCOS, thyroid issues, or PMS

The Gut-Hormone Link Explained

Your gut and hormones are a team.
Here’s how they’re connected:

Gut bacteria help remove extra estrogen through your poop
If you’re constipated, estrogen builds up and causes more bloating
If your gut is inflamed, it throws your hormones out of balance
And if your hormones are off, it slows down digestion

It’s a feedback loop—and when one part is off, the whole system feels it.

What Your Symptoms Are Trying to Tell You

If you have:

Daily bloating after meals → Look at your gut
Bloating before your period → Check your hormones
Constipation and fatigue → Could be thyroid or both gut & hormone issues
Gas, acne, mood swings → Might be estrogen overload from slow digestion

Your body is smart. These symptoms are signals, not annoyances.

How to Start Feeling Better Today

Small changes can lead to big relief:

Eat more fiber (fruits, veggies, oats)
Drink more water—especially first thing in the morning
Take a short walk after meals to help digestion
Track your cycle to see patterns in your bloating
Try a quality probiotic or magnesium (under guidance)
Cut down on sugar and processed foods

And most importantly—don’t guess. Listen to your body.

How Arka Health Can Help You Find the Root

At Arka Health, we look at your full picture:

Gut testing (for bacteria, inflammation, or food triggers)
Hormone testing (like estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, cortisol)
A plan that brings balance to both gut and hormones using food, lifestyle, and natural support

You don’t need a pill for every symptom. You need a real solution that lasts.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Feel Light and Energized

Bloating and constipation aren’t random—they’re messages.
Your body is asking for help.

The good news?
With the right support, you can feel lighter, clearer, and more in control of your health.

Let’s figure out what’s really going on—together.

👉 Ready to get to the root of your gut or hormone struggles?
🌿 [Book a 1:1 Consultation with Arka Health]

Conventional Approach	At Arka, We Offer...
CBT and Medication Only	CBT plus Limbic System Retraining for self-regulation
Talk Therapy	Energy Healing to release stuck emotional patterns
Generic Pain Management	Somatic & Trauma Healing to release trauma held in body muscles causing chronic pain
Surface-Level Mindfulness	Mind-Body Connection practices with deep energy alignment
Standard Psychiatric Support	Holotropic Breathwork and USIRU for deep subconscious release
Treatment with medication alone	Ketamine Therapy integrated with trauma-informed care
Nervous system overlooked	Vagus Nerve Stimulation to activate innate calming and healing pathways

With convention therapies we also try to move a step ahead by including :

Ketamine Therapy: For treatment-resistant depression and trauma, guided by skilled clinicians in a supportive setting.
Limbic System Retraining: Helping you rewire the brain’s stress and fear responses for long-term calm and clarity.
Energy Healing: Addressing emotional and energetic blockages that traditional therapies may miss.
Vagus Nerve Activation: Supporting the nervous system’s natural recovery via non-invasive methods.
Trauma-Informed Somatic Work: Releasing physical tension where trauma is held — often resolving chronic pain and fatigue.
Holotropic Breathwork & USIRU: Deep, experiential techniques that allow inner transformation without words.

If you’re looking for depression treatment in Bangalore that goes beyond just prescriptions, our team at Arka Anugraha Hospital is here for you. We pride ourselves on being one of the leading holistic mental health centers in Bangalore, offering functional psychiatry services that incorporate nutrition, mind-body therapies, advanced treatments, and compassionate psychiatric care.

Our integrative approach is also suitable for patients across India – even if you’re not in Bangalore, we offer telehealth consultations and can guide you on lifestyle and nutrition remotely, and invite you to visit us for specialized treatments like TMS or ketamine if needed. This pan-India approach ensures that anyone seeking a more natural, well-rounded strategy for mental wellness can access our services.

At Arka Anugraha, treatment is a partnership. You’ll work closely with psychiatrists, nutritionists, and therapists as a team. We educate and empower you at every step – whether it’s understanding how gut health affects mood, or learning how to use breathwork to calm anxiety, you’ll gain knowledge and tools to manage your mental health for life. And importantly, we approach every patient with deep empathy and respect. We know depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can just “snap out of.” It’s a real condition that can happen to anyone – hardworking professionals, parents, students, you name it. Our mission is to provide hope and healing through an integrative lens, tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

You don’t have to walk through depression alone. Help is available, and recovery is absolutely possible – we see it every day. An integrative approach might be the key that finally unlocks the improvements you’ve been looking for. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, consider reaching out to explore these holistic options.

Take the first step towards healing today – Book a Free Discovery Call with Arka Anugraha Hospital. Our team will be happy to discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you on a path to a brighter, healthier future.

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