50 of Etsy’s Coolest Wedding Finds

Cortney Clift
Oct 20, 2014

Oh Etsy, let us count the ways we love thee. Whether we’re in need of a unique watch or candy corn eyelashes (that is not a typo, people) you’ve always got our backs. So when it comes to planning a one-of-a-kind, picture-perfect wedding, we know we’ve got Etsy to rely on. Lucky for you, the online marketplace has just unveiled its favorite wedding-related picks for the coming year, both of the handmade and vintage variety, and even luckier for you, we’ve gone through and plucked out the best of the best. From gorg gowns to personalized party favors, here are 50 of the coolest wedding-worthy goodies Etsy has to offer.

1. Madison Lace and Chiffon Wedding Dress ($2,226): A sweetheart bodice, hand-sewn lace and a flattering empire waist make this stunning piece as alter-worthy as any.

2. Personalized Corkscrews ($13): After your man picks out his groomsmen, he’s going to want to pop open a brewski with his pals. What better way to do it than with a personalized, multifunctional corkscrew?

3. Personalized Paper Dolls ($35+): Paper dolls are always fun. But paper dolls that look like you + your boo? Amazing.

4. Raw Pink Tourmaline Rose Gold Ring ($425): Who needs a diamond ring? This pink tourmaline stone is beautifully rough but somehow super delicate at the same time.

5. Decorative 300ml Bottle ($14): Arrange these colored beauties all together for a vivid accent piece or spread them out as centerpieces.

6. Felt Wedding Bouquet ($65): Fresh flowers are cool, but this bouquet is giving that tradition a run for its money. This multi-colored bunch will add a vibrant pop to your ensemble and you can keep it forever!

7. 100 The Perfect Match Matchbox Wedding Favors ($198): Punny and useful. It’s a match made in heaven (sorry, couldn’t help it).

8. Ampersand Rose Gold Bracelet ($33+): Here’s a super sweet and simple way to tie your bridesmaids’ looks together. These delicate rose gold bracelets are the perfect altar arm candy.

9. Bridal Party Thank You Notes ($26): After your girls have thrown you a classy bridal shower and a hangover-inducing bachelorette party and helped you avoid multiple meltdowns, you have to say thanks. Send your gratitude in the shape of a pretty little lady.

10. Rustic Vineyard Wedding Invitation Collection ($100): Nothing is going to get guests ready for a wedding more than an invite with a bottle of wine on it. Hope that inbox is empty, because those RSVPs are about to hit in a big way.

11. Annabelle Flower Girl Dress ($700): Alright, someone needs to let us know how we can get this flower girl dress in grown-up size. But really…

12. Will You Be My Bridesmaid Wine Labels ($6): Hand these off to your favorite ladies to ask them to be in your bridal party. We’re guessing if you hand them a customized bottle as cute as this you’re not going to very many no’s.

13. Danielle Lace and Silk Chiffon Gown ($2,878): Simple and sweet with just the perfect amount of lace detailing. Plus you can already tell, this airy dress is going to be great for getting down at the reception.

14. Vintage Inspired Tea Dresses ($150): Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are officially a trend. These tea dresses are each the same style, but made in different vintage fabrics — the perfect accents to a retro-style bride.

15. Personalized Etched Glass Flask ($30): Flasks have a certain rebellious air to them. You slip them in your pocket and take a swig when you’re not supposed to. Just a fair warning: if you hand these off to your groomsmen and they get busted it’s going to be hard to stay it’s not theirs when their initials are etched on the front.

16. Calligraphy Placemats ($4): Why have normal placemats when you can have a placemat with your name on it? This hand-lettered cardstock table setting is a great way to make the day extra personal.

17. Embroidered Tie Patch For Groom ($38): Stitch this on your groom’s tie to add a sweet, secret touch to his dapper outfit.

18. Personalized Bridesmaid Hangers ($80+): If you aren’t going for the mismatched bridesmaids trend, hang their dresses up on personalized hangers to avoid any mix-ups.

19. Lolita Flower Crown ($32): In need of something blue? How about a floral crown? Pair it with some red lips for a colorful yet complementary look.

20. Extra Large Marquee Light Letters ($778): Just look at these beauties! Not only will they wow at the reception, but count on finding a spot in your house to show them off forever.

21. Mixed Media and Paper Flower Bouquet ($120): This mixed media bouquet can be personalized for you and your love. Arrange a map of where you first met into one flower and a page from your favorite book into another. Awww!

22. Geo Curtain Backdrop ($45): Um, excuse me, but I think we’ve just found the only backdrop we ever will need again. We might not have the self-control to wait until a wedding to snag this set up.

23. Single Layer Silk Veil ($225): This classic veil evokes a ’20s bride vibe in the best possible way. Pair it with a flapper-esque dress for a roaring look.

24. Here Comes the Bride ($49): A chalkboard sign is never a bad idea. Recruit a cute ring bearer and have him carry this sign as he struts down the aisle.

25. Bridal Butterfly Flower Crown ($355): If you’re thinking the floral crown has been overdone, here’s something that looks similar but has an element all its own: butterflies, made from silk organza, no less!

26. Champagne and Gold Garter ($39): You certainly can’t forget about the garter. This one is classy but still fun and will be more than appreciated by your new spouse.

27. Oval Moissanite Twig Engagement Ring ($1,650): Planning a woodland wedding? Opt for this ring with a twig-like band for a subtle homage to your wedding day’s theme.

28. Bridal Star Tiara ($345): It’s your day and you’re the star. A star tiara seems only right.

29. Custom Hand-Painted Wedding Invitation ($245): Invite your guests to your big day in style. You just can’t go wrong with gold polka dots and dreamy florals.

30. Personalized Wedding Guest Book ($65): Literary buffs rejoice! We’re loving this clever take on the classic guest book. Frame it after the wedding for a cute reminder of all those who wish you and your groom the best.

31. Art Deco New York Wedding Invitation Collection ($100): Has that ’20s veil set you on a vintage spiral? Embrace it, friends. These art deco invites are a great way to give guests a taste of all the early-century loveliness to come.

32. Distressed Stainless Steel Ring Comfort Fit ($249): Slip this on your groom’s finger for a ring that’s classic but not boring.

33. Peacock Kiwi Kiss Brides Bouqet ($140): Succulents are definitely having their time in the spotlight. This monochromatic palette is still insanely striking.

34. Custom Portrait Illustrations ($30): This personalized portrait is an adorable — not to mention original — gift for two happy newlyweds. Hanging this baby up in their new home will make it instantly cozier.

35. Gold Leaf Crown ($45): Pop on that empire waist dress and this gold leaf crown and you’ll look like a vision straight out of ancient Greece.

36. Custom Fingerprint Rose Gold Wedding Band ($259): Opt for this rather than engraved initials for a more original (most original?) take on a personalized ring.

37. For Like Ever Wedding Cake Topper ($28+): Cake tastes better with a little bit of ’90s humor.

38. Olive Leaf and Eucalyptus Seed Crown ($80): Maybe the standard floral crown is a little too much color for you, and that’s okay. Here’s an option that’s festive but a little more subtle.

39. Midnight Munchies Bags ($29): All that dancing is going to work up an appetite. Slip some sweets into these charming bags and send guests away with a little sugar to keep them going until they hit the hay.

40. Pear Diamond Engagement Ring ($1,200): Sport this pear-shaped diamond during your engagement and then slip on the arched diamond after you say “I do.”

41. Custom Stamped Soap Favors ($271): These soaps are so cute it almost doesn’t seem weird that everyone will be scrubbing their bodies down with your initials. Maybe it would be wise to disclose that these are to be used for hands only.

42. Thin Gold Fill Diamond Shape Ring ($58+): Swap out a diamond ring for a diamond ring. If you’re not for sparkly shiny stones, slip this pretty thing on for something that hints at tradition, but in a modern way.

43. Mr and Mrs Wooden Gold Signs ($23+): Gold. Wood. Calligraphy. All good things.

44. Mini Thank You Plant Markers ($12+): It’s so mini we can hardly handle it. Pair this with the midnight munchie bag for favors that are sweet in more ways than one.

45. Vintage Blue and White Floral Temporary Tattoo ($6): Okay, so they might be temporary, but these things are so darn pretty that they might just provide your guests with some inky inspo.

46. Geometric Crystal Pinata ($97): Why aren’t pinatas a standard wedding activity? Start the trend with these discoball-like, dangling masterpieces.

47. Wildflowers Felt Flowers ($1,168): If you’re going to splurge on flowers anyway, why not buy blooms that will last forever? This almost 500-piece felt floral set really is almost as dreamy as the real deal.

48. Rose Gold Sequined Wedding Dress ($1,772): Wowza! Why have we never seen this bridal trend before? We are envisioning a lot of dipped wedding gowns in the future and we don’t mind it one bit.

49. Balloon Tassels ($150): You may have spotted tasseled balloons like these at our Re:Make festival. Arrange these in a picture perfect location as a photo booth alternative.

50. Personalized Wilderness Backdrop ($26): Whether you’re getting married in a forest or in the middle of a city, add a wilderness element to your day with this personalized pine tree cake topper.

Are you using some Etsy finds in your wedding? Share your favorite picks with us in the comments!

Mandy Teefey’s Go-To Hack Will Make Social Media Suck Less

We all have big feelings. And thanks to social media and rising levels of anxiety, those feelings, well, feel bigger than ever. That’s exactly where resources like Wondermind come in. The self-proclaimed “mental health ecosystem” is all about exploring, discussing, and navigating our emotions together. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Wondermind wants you to live your mental health journey in community because Mandy Teefey, who co-founded the company with daughter Selena Gomez, knows what it’s like to walk that journey alone.

Image via Wondermind

“As I went through a very long journey of finding I did have a mental health diagnosis — and then I was misdiagnosed and then I had to go through that — I was blessed to have the resources to do that,” Teefey, who received an ADHD and trauma diagnosis after a 20-year bipolar misdiagnosis, says. “Whenever I started my journey of discovering what mental condition I had…I didn't have anybody to lean into or explain the way I was feeling.”

While these personal experiences helped Teefey better understand mental health, it wasn’t until she produced Netflix’s 2017 series 13 Reasons Whythat she saw just how far the mental health conversation goes. The hit show went viral almost as soon as it aired because of its realistic depiction of mental health and all the aftershocks of trauma.

“After we did 13 Reasons Why and saw the reaction and the need for that support, me and Selena were trying to really figure out what could be next,” Teefey says. “Everybody was releasing things [at] different times. It's like you have to have 12 apps to have a program, and then remember to use them all. So that's when we decided to create a mental fitness ecosystem. So it's all-encompassing, but there's something for everyone.”

“We're not a medicinal company [but] we do have an advisory committee that oversees everything that we do,” Teefey continues. “We're technically not doctors, but we are for everyone when it comes to feelings. Everybody has feelings and they can go to our content hub and just kind of explore that for a while.”

Image via Brit + Co

Admittedly, that exploration bit is pretty fun. The articles are inspiring, and the worksheets (which are each created by an expert) are incredibly helpful. Seeing every program, article, and podcast episode feels like an opportunity to start fresh, but once you have all the ideas in front of you, what do you actually do? Teefey recommends journaling, even if it’s just a sentence every day. (She also loves watching journaling videos from Planning Annie: “Anytime I'm feeling sad or like a little unmotivated, I put her on.”)

Journaling every day, even if your entries are short, allows you to track your mood over an extended period of time. If you notice a consistent sadness, for example, it could be a sign it’s time to check in with your doctor. Plus, journaling can help prepare you for the conversations mental health appointments bring up.

“Sometimes if you go into a therapy session and you're not really settled or concrete in who you are and what may be going on, you might go through what I went through, which is being misdiagnosed,” Teefey says. “It's more important for you to know who you are and what you need prior to going in. So you can give that to them instead of them guessing and working around that process with you.”

Image via Brit + Co

Establishing a consistent routine can help decrease your stress, whether you’re eating the same breakfast every day, or you stick to a tried and true skincare regimen like Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie does on Euphoria. I immediately thought of this teen drama when Mandy Teefey mentioned how important her 4 a.m. routine is. But while Cassie spends time doing her skincare and makeup, Teefey spends time nurturing her soul.

“If I don't have [that routine], I'm usually really off kilter,” she says. “So I get up at 4 when everyone's still asleep, and I found that time could be about me, and I'm not taking it away from anybody. And so that's really what helped me be more grounded throughout the day.”

I can attest that my own quiet time in the morning is vital for a successful day — as is knowing what my boundaries need to be. Because honestly, boundaries can change daily! Teefey and I both acknowledge we have to stay away from sad music to protect our mental health, and she also recommends staying off social media when you feel your mental health struggling.

“I can go three days without looking at social media and then when I go on there, I start having anxiety because I'm like, ‘Oh my gosh, I haven't liked this person. I haven't even liked our own pictures [for] Wondermind.’ And then I start feeling guilty,” she says. “There's just some kind of [expectation] to do social media and you really don't. Not everybody needs to know everything, you know? There's beauty in privacy.”

Even Selena Gomez admitted at the 2024 Time100 Summit that taking time off Instagram "was the most rewarding gift I gave myself."

Image via Brit + Co

The idea of staying off social media is way easier said than done (speaking from first hand experience here). If you feel like you’re drowning in engagement announcements, anxiety-inducing news, and FOMO, Teefey recommends keeping tabs on your reactions to gauge when it’s time to take a serious break.

“If it invokes any emotion that is a negative emotion, I [know] it's not worth being angry about, it's not worth losing sleep about,” she says. “It just feels like there's an unintentional taunting on social media and, ‘Wait a minute, is that about me?’ You don't know this person and then you start running with all this stuff in your mind.”

Like every area of life, social media is all about balance, and if you’re looking to unplug while still staying informed, Mandy Teefey recommends bringing a journal with you when doing your morning news scroll — that way, you can process emotions while keeping tabs on what’s happening. “If anything evokes emotion, I'm meditating during the quiet time,” she says.

Studies have found journaling can help decrease your anxiety, and that it can help you break obsessive thought cycles. And while you’re the only one who can process your thoughts and emotions, it’s important not to isolate yourself from your community — especially when you’re struggling. “You gotta build trust and you gotta build the boundary of who you volunteer [your] help to,” she says.

When it comes to her own daughters, Mandy Teefey knows it’s a process. “You have to work with them and meet them where they're at, and then see the help they need and don't assume [they’re going through] what you went through,” she says. “You've got to really understand them to be able to give that advice.”

Image via Natalie Rhea

In her own life, Mandy Teefey got to experience building that trust first-hand with Selena Gomez! “One time it was very, very cold in California and me and Selena were on the opposite sides of the pool,” she says. “We were in sweats and she says, ‘Do you trust me?’ And I went, ‘Yeah.’ And she goes ‘Okay, if you trust me, on three, we're gonna jump in this ice cold pool.’”

While Teefey wasn’t convinced, she trusted Gomez, and they both ended up in the freezing cold water! Which is both a funny story and a fond memory: “We couldn't get out of the pool because [our clothes were] so heavy. It was madness!”

“There's a lot of things I know my daughters don't tell me and that's their right,” she continues. “It's so sensitive between teenagers — especially teenagers — and their parents. They're going through that phase and they don't want to be around them and they don't wanna tell them things. It's definitely not easy but maybe put some feelers out there and just make sure that they know you're there and make it okay to have these conversations.”

Thanks to all this actionable advice, we know that Mental Health Awareness month isn’t limited to TikTok videos or Instagram posts we can reshare. There are real tips we can use to take care of ourselves — and a place to go when we need a boost.

Watch Our Full Interview With Mandy Teefey Here!

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Wondermind Co-Founder Mandy Teefey Helps Us Navigate Big Feelings For Mental Health Awareness Month

If you're struggling with your mental health, check in with your doctor or check out the mental health resources Wondermind offers. You can also use Psychology Today to find a therapist near you.

Lead image via Getty

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Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Girl Dad

After The Gray Man and a year full of Barbie and Ken, The Fall Guy (plus the upcoming Ocean's 11 prequelwith Margot Robbie) continues to prove Ryan Gosling is THE definition of a star. And between his friendship with Emma Stone and his relationship with Eva Mendes,Ryan seems like the kind of guy we'd all want to be best friends with — and not just because of his endless #Kenergy.

Not only is Ryan the sweetest partner, he's also the ultimate girl dad to daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Their "interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken," as Ryan tells People, get him to Barbieland in the first place, but he also just revealed they "asked specifically" he avoid one The Fall Guy stunt. “My kids didn't want me to be set on fire,” he says. “Even though I said, ‘Well, it's actually, technically the safer thing to do because there's a lot of protective stuff involved, [they] were like, ‘No. No fire.’ So I didn't do it.”

It's clear that Ryan Gosling's children are spitfires and I love to see it! Here's everything you need to know about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids.

How many children do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have two children, Esmerelda Amada and Amada Lee. Amada was named after Eva's grandmother — both my sister and I have family names and I love seeing the way different families carry on that tradition!

How old are Ryan Gosling's kids?

Image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Esmerelda was born in September 2014, meaning she'll turn 10 this fall. Amada just turned 8 at the end of April!

How does Ryan Gosling prioritize his kids?

Image via Lionsgate

In his recent profile with WSJ, Ryan Gosling revealed he only picks roles that will benefit his whole family. "I don't really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place," Ryan says. "The decisions I make, I make them with Eva and we make them with our family in mind first."

"I think La La Landwas the first," he continues. "It was sort of like, 'Oh this will be fun for them too, because even though they're not coming to set, we're practicing piano every day or we're dancing or we're singing.'"

Every couple needs to figure out what prioritizing their kids looks like for them, and considering how much I love all Ryan's recent roles, I'd say this is a shift that benefits everyone ;).

When did Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have their daughters?

Image via Andrew Toth/Getty Images for New York & Company

Eva Mendes gave birth to Esmerelda on September 12, 2014 and later had Amada on April 29, 2016.

Are Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes still together?

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

Yes, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are still going strong, and thank goodness. Eva just revealed that Ryan provides a ton of support for her. "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she tells People. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

How has fatherhood affected Ryan Gosling?

Image via Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Considering Ryan Gosling's daughters are such a huge part of his life now, it's hard to believe that earlier in life, he wasn't sure he wanted kids. "After I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he tells GQ. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." Now, I'm going to need you to pause and reread that quote because I can't believe that's a real sentence. I'm obsessed!

A source also told People in 2023 that "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it."

Via WSJ, we also know that since Ryan Gosling's kids have started learning Spanish, they now call him Papi. "It kills me every time," he says. "There's just nothing, nothing better than that."

What has Eva Mendes said about their daughters?

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

Eva Mendes is just as obsessed with her and Ryan Gosling's children as he is, and she's talked about how they make life so much better. "Oh April…I have such a complicated relationship with you," she says on Instagram. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday…..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids!

Lead image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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Dealing With Stubborn Bloating? An Expert Shares How To Banish It

Bloating is a common digestive issue that can make you feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and self-conscious. While bloating is often caused by overeating, there are other factors that can contribute to this uncomfortable sensation, such as consuming gas-producing foods or experiencing hormonal changes.

The thing is that bloating happens to the best of us so it doesn't mean you're weird if you haven't figured out what's causing your tummy issues. Between weight fluctuations and hormonal changes post-birth, I still haven't cracked the 'happy digestive system' code. But, that lack of knowledge is no match for the expertise of Dr. Brynna Connor, MD — a Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWest Pharmacy.

Based in Austin, Texas where she has her own private practice, Dr. Connor is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the Texas Medical Association. In other words, she has nearly two decades worth of medical experience that makes her the right person to answer all our "How to get rid of bloating" questions.

Whether you're dealing with the occasional bloat or chronic digestive issues, Dr. Connor has expert tips to help you find relief and get back to enjoying healthy meals that your body loves.

How can I tell if I'm bloated?

Image via Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

Before I became a mom, it was easy for me to recognize the immediate signs of bloating. I only experienced it during PMS and the week of my cycle, but it always went away for a few weeks. Not only that, I used to be able to pinpoint which foods were the culprit of horrific period cramps and the inevitable gassiness that seemed to make my cycles 10x worse. Now, things are up in the air and I'm joining the ranks of other curious women who want to know what's considered bloating.

Dr. Connor says, "There are various symptoms a woman may experience if she’s bloated. Bloating may make you feel like your stomach is tight or full and can cause abdominal pain, swollen/distended stomach, flatulence, belching, and/or stomach cramps. It’s not uncommon to experience multiple symptoms of bloating at once."

I don't think I need to mention just how uncomfortable things can feel when experiencing multiple bloating symptoms.

What triggers bloating symptoms?

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I mentioned my daily cycle as one of the reasons I knew I used to experience bloating, but there are more things that can trigger it. "Bloating occurs when your gastrointestinal or digestive system(s) are filled with gas or liquid and there are six common potential causes," says Dr. Connor.

She lists having gas as one of the first reasons. "It’s normal to experience symptoms of excess gas, especially after eating and/or drinking as you may have also swallowed small amounts of air. Certain factors may increase the likelihood that you experience bloating after eating, such as chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages, and/or eating or drinking too fast."

Hearing this reminds me of the moments I was told to slow down when eating my food as a little girl.

Image via Maksim Goncharenok/Pexels

There's also the chance that you have a food intolerance. I only speak for myself when I say that I'm only able to consume dairy in small increments and tomato sauce? Well, I can just forget that because lately my stomach skips bloating and heads right to nausea. What gives, you ask?

Dr. Connor says, "You can experience bloating if your digestive system has trouble breaking down certain foods. Common food intolerances that can lead to bloating include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and/or fructose intolerance." Feeling mind-blown about possibly having a fructose intolerance? Same here, but Dr. Connor explains what happens when our body breaks down certain foods.

"There are also chemicals found in particular foods that can increase the chances of bloating after they’re ingested, including histamine (found in wine and cheese), caffeine, alcohol, sulfites (found in beer and wine), and monosodium glutamate (MSG – found in ripe fruit and cured meat)," she says.

If you're hearing someone play the world's smallest violin, it's me mourning the fact that my two greatest loves — wine and cheese — may not be the best things to consume together.

Image via Miriam Alonso/Pexels

I can say it's been a while since I've been constipated, but only because my doctor all but demanded that I start taking probiotics and eating more probiotic-rich foods. Still, it always sucks when constipation happens which explains the bloating that tends to follow.

"When your large intestine absorbs too much water from your stool, it becomes harder and more difficult to pass. The resulting buildup of stool in your colon can lead to bloating, swelling, and stomach/abdominal pain, and you’re particularly susceptible to constipation if you’re not getting enough fiber, water, or exercise. Changes to your daily routine or an increased level of stress can also contribute to constipation and bloating," says Dr. Connor.

Somehow this is oddly comforting to know that stress can also be a culprit.

Image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

Like I mentioned before, starting your period is one of the reasons you can experience bloat. What Dr. Connor says next will occupy a space in your mind if you're never considered what happens during that special time of the month.

"Certain hormones, like estrogen, can cause your body to hold onto water, which can cause swelling in the abdomen. Estrogen can also interact with progesterone in your digestive system, leading to increased gas in your intestines. Bloating prior to your period may also be caused by the increase in volume in your uterus just before your period starts," she says.

Image via Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

I've been prescribed different medications after two of my surgeries and found that I experienced unusual bloating that led to horrific cycles. Dr. Connor says there's a reason why certain medications or supplements can cause this to happen.

"...fiber supplements can cause bloating or constipation when the supplement isn’t taken with enough water. Other medications that can lead to bloating and/or constipation include opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, iron supplements, and antihistamines like Benadryl," she offers.

Although I no longer take Benadryl, I can confirm I experienced a ton of bloating when trying to combat my allergies.

Image via cottonbro studio/Pexels


Lastly, Dr. Connor says there could be underlying medical reason you're experiencing bloating. "People living with gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to experience bloating, excess gas, and constipation."

She also says, "Underlying liver disease or cancers can also cause bloating in the abdomen, which is why you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms associated with bloating, or if you’re having any additional symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain, blood in your stool, difficulty swallowing, or any excess fatigue or unexplained weight loss."

What are some ways to reduce bloating in general and during PMS/menstrual cycles?

Image via KoolShooters/Pexels

Dr. Connor says managing bloating can depend on what's triggering your symptoms. It's always best to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you concerned about your digestive health, but there are things you can do at home to provide some relief.

"At-home solutions include over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Gas-X or antacids that can be taken together or separately. Probiotics can also help reduce gas and restore the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. Herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile tea, or turmeric, can aid digestion, and peppermint oil can help relax muscles in the stomach that aid in the passing of gas."

She also suggests that you increase your fiber intake, incorporate exercise in your routine, and stay hydrated.

By taking steps to reduce bloating, you can improve your overall health and feel more comfortable in your daily life.

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This post has been updated.

Header photo by Anete Lusina/ PEXELS

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