Gas that suddenly seems worse is usually from changes in diet, hormones, gut bacteria, or stress, but sometimes it can signal an underlying digestive problem that needs a doctor’s look.

Common female-specific causes

Hormone shifts through the month can slow or speed up the gut, which increases bloating and gas around PMS and during your period. Rising progesterone before a period relaxes intestinal muscles, slowing digestion so food ferments longer and makes more gas.

Pregnancy and perimenopause/menopause can also change gut motility and gut sensitivity,