Does Ovulation Cause Bloating? Signs & Symptoms To Look Out For

When we think of bloating, it’s usually in the context of PMS or the days leading up to a period. But for many people, bloating during ovulation can be just as uncomfortable — and it often takes them by surprise.

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling puffy or weighed down right in the middle of your cycle, there’s a reason. Ovulation can trigger a whole range of physical symptoms, and bloating is one of the more common ones.

Is bloating a sign of ovulation?

Yes, bloating can be a sign of ovulation — and it’s more common than most people realize. While it’s often associated with the luteal phase or menstruation, bloating mid-cycle is frequently linked to the hormonal fluctuations that happen during ovulation.

Estrogen levels surge just before the egg is released, followed by a rise in progesterone. These hormonal shifts can affect digestion, fluid retention, and gut motility — all of which contribute to bloating.

When does ovulation bloating start?

Ovulation bloating can begin a few days before you actually ovulate and may continue for a short time afterward. This timeline usually aligns with your fertile window — the five to six days when your chances of conceiving are highest.

Tracking your cycle can help identify when bloating is most likely to appear. Tools like Mira allow you to monitor key hormones like LH (luteinizing hormone), estrogen, and progesterone in real time, which makes it easier to spot patterns and understand what your body is doing at each stage of your cycle.

Follicular phase bloating

While ovulation is the main event mid-cycle, some people also experience follicular phase bloating in the days following menstruation. This is the first phase of your cycle, when estrogen gradually begins to rise again.

Although not as intense as ovulatory bloating, this early-cycle puffiness can still be noticeable — especially if you’re sensitive to changes in estrogen or tend to experience digestive issues at other points in your cycle.

Bloating during your fertile window

Your fertile window is when estrogen reaches its peak, preparing your body for ovulation. During this time, water retention can increase, and changes in circulation and blood flow may contribute to a feeling of abdominal fullness. In fact, some studies have highlighted how estrogen influences fluid balance and body composition during this phase of the cycle. So if you notice bloating during your fertile window, your hormones are likely responsible.

What about ovulation cramps and bloating?

Some people also experience ovulation pain, or mittelschmerz — a dull or sharp cramp that occurs on one side of the lower abdomen. This happens when the ovarian follicle ruptures to release the egg, and it may be accompanied by bloating or pelvic pressure.

While ovulation pain typically resolves on its own, it’s another indicator that your mid-cycle symptoms are hormonally driven. Bloating and discomfort during this time are usually caused by a combination of inflammation, hormonal shifts, and digestive slowdown.

Gassy during ovulation? It happens!

It’s not unusual to experience increased gas around ovulation. As progesterone levels rise after the egg is released, your digestive system can slow down. This may lead to a buildup of gas and changes in bowel movements — including constipation or bloating.

A 2009 study also found a strong association between ovarian hormone fluctuations and GI discomfort, including bloating and changes in bowel patterns — particularly for those with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

In other words, ovulation and flatulence often go hand in hand. It’s not exactly glamorous, but it’s totally normal.

What are the other signs of ovulation?

Below are some common (and less common) ovulation symptoms to look out for.

More noticeable bloating

In case you’re one of the lucky ones who has never experienced it: Bloating is an abdominal pressure that can be uncomfortable, painful, and present at different times throughout the menstrual cycle. In less clinical terms, bloating is the ovulation symptom that’s to thank for having a “loose clothes only” rule in the middle of your menstrual cycle. While bloating is usually described as a top-period symptom, many women experience bloating during ovulation because of how intensely their hormones fluctuate during this time.

Pelvic pain or discomfort

Ovulation pain (AKA mittelschmerz) is abdominal or pelvic discomfort experienced by some women during ovulation. It typically occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp twinge and may last from a few minutes to a day or two.

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may result from the rupture of the ovarian follicle or irritation of the surrounding tissues. Ovulation pain is generally harmless and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or heat therapy. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider.

Feeling more emotional

Your hormones aren’t the only ones on a roller coaster during your ovulation window; your feelings are, too. Just like during the menstrual period, the onslaught of hormone changes — a surge in estrogen before ovulation and a rise in progesterone afterward — in such a short window of time during ovulation (usually about 12-24 hours of active ovulation) can lead to some to feel more emotional or sensitive than they normally would.

Changes in cervical mucus

A clear indication that you’re in your ovulatory phase will be the consistency of your vaginal discharge. During ovulation, your discharge will be heavier, more noticeable on your underwear, and have an “egg white” consistency. The increase in cervical mucus is your body’s way of helping sperm and egg come together with more ease.

Shifts in basal body temperature

Basal body temperature is your resting temperature and can be taken with a special basal thermometer. Your BBT is consistently the same temperature throughout most of your cycle and only changes (drops slightly) ahead of ovulation. Once ovulation has occurred, your BBT will increase again, this time more significantly.

How to reduce bloating during ovulation

While bloating during ovulation is often unavoidable, there are steps you can take to feel more comfortable:

• Track your hormone levels using a tool like Mira to better understand when bloating tends to occur, so you can figure out the cause.
• Stay hydrated to help reduce water retention and support digestion.
• Limit processed foods and sodium, which can contribute to bloating.
• Eat fiber-rich foods to keep digestion moving smoothly.
• Exercise regularly, even a short walk, to help alleviate abdominal pressure.
• Consider a probiotic, especially if your symptoms are recurring. (Here are a few of our faves!)

If bloating is accompanied by severe pain, nausea, or significant digestive issues, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare provider. While cyclical bloating is usually benign, persistent or extreme symptoms may point to conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or food sensitivities.

Do you get bloated when you ovulate?

So, does ovulation cause bloating? For many people, yes — and it’s a normal part of how the body responds to mid-cycle hormonal shifts. From bloating during ovulation and the fertile window, to cramping, gas, and bloating mid-cycle, the digestive system is often deeply affected by what's happening hormonally.

Understanding these changes and tracking your cycle with tools like Mira can help you connect the dots and feel more in control of your body — even when your waistband says otherwise. Just download the Mira app to watch all of your hormonal ups and downs on a chart on your smartphone. You can check your daily numbers in real-time, and predict and confirm ovulation to determine your fertile window, ending the guesswork once and for all. Use code RESCRIPTED to get $40 off the Mira Starter Kit and all bundles!

Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Fertility Mapper. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.