What’s Endo Belly and How to Get Rid of It

More than 11% of women in the United States ages 15-44 have endometriosis, when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. They may also develop ongoing pain and bloating, known as endo belly.

At North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics in Naples, Florida, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Dean Hildahl and our team provide gynecological services and more to help women resolve pelvic pain due to endometriosis and other conditions. 

What’s endo belly?

If you’re a woman and frequently experience a painful, swollen abdomen, known as endo belly, endometriosis may be to blame. Symptoms include:

• Digestive problems, such as constipation or gas
• Skin sensitivity near your abdomen
• Sudden belly swelling without an apparent trigger
• Difficulty taking deep breaths

Your bloating may become chronic due to ongoing endometrial inflammation. Dr. Hildahl examines you to determine whether endometriosis or another issue is the root cause. 

Who gets endometriosis?

Although any woman may develop endometriosis, it’s more common among family members. You may also be at greater risk if you:

• Experience short menstrual cycles of 27 days or less
• Have never given birth
• Have a health issue that blocks normal menstrual flow during your period

Endometriosis more commonly affects women who menstruate, but it can also occur after menopause. While far less likely, menopausal women may experience endometriosis and endo belly even though their hormone levels remain lower.

Women with gut inflammation or food sensitivities may also be more prone to this problem.

What causes this painful condition?

An estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, endo belly doesn’t rely on the presence of ovaries. Endo lesions may produce hormones even after menopause. 

Whether the problem occurs before or after menopause, you may experience pain and bloating, as well as difficulties with your bowels, bladder, and other organs.

Endometriosis often feels worse leading up to your menstrual period. Many women also experience abdominal bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and belly pain throughout the month, as well as following menopause.

How we can help

Dr. Hildahl considers nonsurgical options, such as hormone regulation, to relieve endometriosis and subsequent endo belly. He may also recommend surgical procedures, if necessary.

Hormonal therapy helps lower estrogen to lessen pain and swelling. Dr. Hildahl may suggest birth control pills and other hormonal treatments, along with lifestyle adjustments, such as:

• Eating more anti-inflammatory foods
• Drinking ginger tea to help relieve bloating
• Staying hydrated
• Increasing fiber to improve constipation
• Performing gentle exercises, such as yoga and Pilates

The doctor may also recommend consuming smaller meals to assist digestion and applying heat therapy during painful episodes. 

If you’re overweight, losing weight may help reduce estrogen levels to ease endometriosis. Excess pounds may also place added pressure on your pelvis, increasing pain.

Other issues that cause abdominal bloating

While endo belly produces several undesirable issues, your bloating and pain may result from other conditions, such as:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Ruptured ovarian cyst
• Celiac disease

Dr. Hildahl takes a thorough medical history and performs a pelvic exam to confirm the diagnosis. He may also request a transvaginal ultrasound to identify cysts and/or an MRI to create detailed images of any endometrial tissue outside your uterus. 

He may also suggest laparoscopy, a surgical procedure using a tiny camera, to confirm the diagnosis.

The bottom line

Never ignore excessive bloating and pain that disrupts your everyday life.

To schedule an appointment to diagnose and resolve your ongoing pain and bloating, or discuss other obstetric or gynecological issues, contact North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics by phone or online today.