Bloating, or abdominal distension, has multiple causes in women. While food sensitivities, digestive issues, and eating patterns play significant roles, bloating can also involve hormonal inflammation, especially when it's severe, cyclical, or disproportionate to food intake. This inflammatory component may manifest as dramatic abdominal swelling ('endo belly') linked to conditions like endometriosis, where hormonal fluctuations trigger inflammatory responses. Bloating that consistently aligns with your menstrual cycle, causes severe distension, or doesn't respond to dietary changes may signal underlying hormonal or inflammatory conditions requiring specialized evaluation