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Bloating During the Menopause Transition: Observations from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study
Kendra J Kamp1, Nini G L Callan2, Ellen S Mitchell3
1Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Bloating severity increases during menopause transition, linked to tension and anxiety. Age and testosterone levels may decrease bloating. Further research is needed to understand these relationships.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Women's health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Abdominal bloating is more prevalent in women than men across the lifespan.
- Bloating during the menopause transition (MT) is understudied.
- Understanding MT-related bloating is crucial for women's health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bloating severity patterns during the menopause transition.
- To examine associations with age, reproductive aging stage, biomarkers, and stress perceptions.
- To explore contributing factors to bloating in midlife women.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study of 291 women from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study.
- Analysis of health diary data and classification into reproductive aging stages.
- Biomarker analysis (hormones, neurotransmitters) in a subset of 131 women using urine samples.
- Mixed-effects multilevel modeling to assess relationships.
Main Results:
- Early and late menopause transition stages were associated with increased bloating severity.
- Increased bloating severity linked to tension and anxiety.
- Decreased bloating severity associated with higher age and testosterone levels.
Conclusions:
- Tension and anxiety may exacerbate bloating during menopause transition.
- Testosterone levels and age appear protective against increased bloating.
- The menopause transition influences bloating through multiple potential mechanisms requiring further investigation.
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