PCOS affects several body functions, not just the ovaries. 

It’s called a syndrome because it is characterized by several different symptoms rather than just being a single disease.

It’s a common misconception that all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts—this isn’t always the case.

Despite the term “cysts” in the name, a lot of women with PCOS actually have underdeveloped follicles, or “baby eggs,” that fail to mature and result in ovulation. 

This is because of the hormonal imbalances typically associated with PCOS.

Many PCOS symptoms are closely related to excess androgen production or male hormones like testosterone. 

These hormones cause a lot of the notorious symptoms of PCOS, like irregular periods, acne, hair loss, and excess facial hair.

In excess, androgens can throw off hormonal balance, and women with PCOS usually find that their cycles are much longer (35 days or more) and that their periods are more irregular. 

PCOS may be identified by doing an ultrasound to check for polycystic ovaries or diagnosed via physical exams and blood tests.

What are the different factors that may cause PCOS bloating?

During a regular menstrual cycle, a woman usually has more progesterone compared to estrogen post-ovulation.

Progesterone is a natural hormonal diuretic, which means that it can help the body release excess fluids.

Lack of ovulation, or anovulation, is a common PCOS symptom. 

Typically, if ovulation doesn’t happen, the body may be unable to make enough progesterone—leading to water retention and subsequent bloating. 

According to a study, hormonal changes can cause bloating in women with PCOS due to these hormonal changes, as they also affect gut bacteria and bile acids responsible for digestion. 

About 80% of PCOS women are predisposed to insulin resistance, which can make managing cravings for sweets and carbohydrates a bit challenging. 

Consumption of excess carbohydrates may worsen insulin resistance and cause symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. 

Chronic inflammation within the digestive tract can affect how the digestive system moves, also called “gut motility,” eventually leading to bloating, abdominal distention, slowed digestion, and cramping. 

A lot of people with PCOS have low-grade levels of inflammation in the body, making bloating a common occurrence, especially among those with higher inflammatory markers.

Sugar, dairy, and gluten are all known causes of inflammation, as they also elevate cortisol levels and lead to bloating.

Consuming these types of foods can exacerbate bloating, especially if you’re intolerant to dairy or gluten. 

Taking a food intolerance test or cutting out these foods one by one can help you identify your triggers to avoid bloating and inflammation.

Following a low glycemic index (GI) diet or consuming foods that don’t spike your blood sugar—can help prevent bloating. 

Additionally, you should consume more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to naturally detoxify excess toxins and hormones.

Adding probiotic foods like kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut may also be beneficial in providing healthy gut bacteria to help support your digestion and reduce bloating. 

Cutting your sugar intake can also reduce gas and bloating.