12/02/2025
Ever notice your pelvic floor feels off right before your period - heavier, achier, or just more sensitive than usual?
You’re not imagining it. Your hormones are running the show here...
In the week or two before your period (the luteal phase), your body goes through some big hormonal shifts and your pelvic floor feels every bit of it.
Here’s what’s really going on:
Your hormones are changing:
Progesterone peaks during this phase, which can cause water retention and bloating - both add pressure to your pelvic floor. Then, as progesterone drops, tissues become more sensitive.
Inflammation rises.
Your body naturally increases inflammation before your period, which can make everything feel a little more tense or painful - including those pelvic muscles.
Digestion slows down.
Constipation and bloating are super common right now (thank you, hormones), which again means more pressure on your core and pelvic floor.
You’re more tired and sensitive.
That pre-period fatigue, anxiety, or tension? It’s real. Your nervous system is more reactive, and that can make pelvic floor symptoms feel stronger.
What helps:
Stay hydrated + add fiber for gut support
Gentle movement (a walk counts!)
Breathing that expands your belly and ribcage
Focus on softening your pelvic floor - not squeezing it
If this happens every month and starts to impact your daily life, a pelvic floor therapist can help you understand what’s happening in your body and bring you back into balance. You’re not stuck with this!
