Indigestion (dyspepsia) manifests as heaviness, bloating, gas, heartburn and abdominal discomfort.
It affects women more frequently, mainly due to hormonal fluctuations (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause).
Hormones slow down the digestive transit, alter the gut microbiota and amplify digestive issues at certain times.
The liver plays a central role in hormone elimination; when overloaded, digestive issues increase.
What is difficult digestion and why does it often affect women?
Difficult digestion, or dyspepsia, refers to a sensation of heaviness in the abdomen, as if everything is slowing down. This digestive fatigue feels like a “full” or heavy stomach.
Contrary to popular belief, women are particularly affected due to hormonal fluctuations and their impact on digestive transit.
Symptoms and causes in women
You may experience:
- A sensation of heaviness or fullness in the abdomen
- Bloating and gas
- Heartburn, nausea or gas
- Abdominal pain and sometimes headaches
Several factors can be responsible: a heavy meal, fatty or acidic foods, aerophagia (swallowing air when eating) and, of course, stress or anxiety. For pregnant women, uterine pressure on the stomach further complicates digestion. Finally, gallstones are two to three times more common in women and can worsen symptoms.
Hormonal influence
Your hormones play a major role. During the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, transit slows down, the microbiota may become unbalanced and discomfort increases. You may notice that symptoms worsen at specific times of the month: this is normal, but targeted solutions can help.
Grandmother remedies to ease digestion
Digestive herbal infusions
After a meal, a cup of fennel, peppermint or Roman chamomile tea helps relax spasms and promote gas elimination. Ginger and gentian slightly stimulate digestive juices. Additionally, herbs like turmeric, milk thistle or rosemary can support your liver and gallbladder.
Diet and fibres
Incorporate fibre-rich foods: whole grains, cooked fruits, tender vegetables. Natural probiotics (yogurt, kefir) help rebalance gut flora, while psyllium or flax seeds offer a gentle laxative effect without irritation.
Simple gestures after meals
- Take time to chew properly to limit aerophagia.
- Go for a gentle walk to stimulate transit.
- Drink a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize acidity.
- A light belly massage with a drop of diluted essential oil can relieve pain and promote gas elimination.
Adapting these solutions to modern life
Natural supplements
Supplements containing anti-inflammatory turmeric, relaxing magnesium or digestive enzymes (lipase, papain) can be taken after meals. A digestion supplement combining several natural actives may also help. Probiotics like Lactobacillus gasseri support your microbiota. Prefer organic formulas without additives.
Respecting your hormonal rhythm
Plan your herbal cures depending on your cycle: for example, a light herbal tea after meals during the premenstrual phase. Stay hydrated and include relaxation breaks to reduce stress-related digestive discomfort. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should choose even gentler solutions and consult a professional before making changes.
The link between probiotics, liver and hormone-related digestion
When hormones fluctuate, the liver plays a key but often underestimated role. It helps break down and eliminate hormones like estrogen. If this function slows down (stress, rich diet, liver overload), hormones circulate longer in the body and worsen bloating, slow transit and digestive discomfort.
Probiotics then act as valuable allies: by rebalancing gut flora, they support the microbiota involved in hormone transformation (via the “estrobolome”) and help the liver and intestines eliminate them. Combined with liver-supporting herbs like artichoke or milk thistle, probiotics promote smoother digestion and reduce hormone-related digestive issues, especially before menstruation, during pregnancy or menopause.
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FAQ
Can I combine several natural remedies?
Yes, plant synergies are often beneficial. You can combine peppermint and ginger, or alternate peppermint and dandelion. Check for possible contraindications (e.g. rosemary and gallstones), and consult a specialist if pregnant.
Do these remedies work during menstruation or menopause?
Absolutely. Artichoke, black radish or peppermint are excellent to detoxify and soothe spasms. Probiotics and adaptogens like ashwagandha can also be valuable, provided they are safe during these periods.
How long before I feel improvement?
Some remedies, like activated charcoal or baking soda, work within hours. A herbal infusion often helps within 20–30 minutes. For lasting effects, expect 2–3 weeks of digestive herbs or probiotics, or 6–8 weeks for full microbiota restoration.
Sources
- Assurance Maladie – Dyspepsia: digestive disorders, heaviness and abdominal discomfort
https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/dyspepsie - INSERM – Gut microbiota, hormones and digestion
https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/microbiote-intestinal/ - DigestScience Foundation – Role of gut microbiota in digestion
https://www.digestscience.com/microbiote-intestinal/
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Bloating before menstruation: hormonal causes and solutions