Saurabh Sethi MD MPH

This is one of the rare spots where gastroenterology literature agrees across the board: Cleveland Clinic and Houston Methodist both confirm bloating (the subjective feeling) differs from measurable distension, and that hormonal swings (estrogen driving water retention before a period or during perimenopause) are a well-documented cause, alongside stress acting through the gut-brain axis. The American Gastroenterological Association's own practice guidance lists diet and stress among the five main drivers of functional bloating, next to constipation and visceral hypersensitivity. The hydration advice lines up with clinical guidance (water limits retention and eases transit), and 'track your cycle' is a reasonable way to anticipate hormonal peaks rather than be blindsided by them. The one caveat: if bloating is constant, worsening, or paired with other symptoms, the same literature says to see a doctor — not stated in the post, but the implicit safety net.