Danielle Armstrong has been praised by fans for sharing the health condition which “makes her feel pregnant”.
The former The Only Way Is Essex star took to Instagram to share a video of what her belly looks like just before her period.
She then posted a clip of what it looks like a few days later when it goes back to normal.
The 34-year-old, who has two-year-old daughter Orla with husband-to-be Tom Edney, said she was inspired to share an ‘after’ pic of her bloated belly after receiving messages from fans.
She told her 1.3 million Instagram followers: “LET’S TALK BLOATING AROUND MENSTRUAL CYCLE.”
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The reality TV star explained: “This weekend I shared a picture of my swollen bloated belly which I get every month just before my period.
“I literally feel a few months pregnant and it’s so uncomfortable, especially in this heat.
“Within a few days my stomach goes back to normal and I feel like me again.”
Danielle continued: “I wanted to share this as I was surprised with the amount of women that messaged me thanking me for sharing my bloated pic on my story as they thought they were the only ones that experienced this."
She added: "Some ladies even messaged to say they ‘starved themselves’ when on their period as they didn’t want to make their bloating worse.
“PLEASE IF YOU’RE READING THIS NEVER NOT EAT TO STOP YOUR BLOATING.
“Unfortunately there’s not much we can do about it ladies apart from drinking lots of water, limit processed foods and actually exercise (even though that’s hard when you’re having cramps).
She ended the post: “Let’s not be hard on ourselves and our bloated bellies ladies, the female body is incredible and we should love every part of it #bloating #menstruation #period #normal.”
Fans were quick to comment on the post, feeling reassured they are not alone.
One wrote: “THANK YOU!!!!!!!! Real talk and real photos! I am exactly the same every month so reassuring to see a lot of us women are the same!”
Another said: “Love this and glad you posted so important people realise this is all normal especially men! X.”
“I get this so bad @daniellearmstrong88 this month has been awful. First period in 8 months, bloated so badly over the weekend and today,” a third commented.
A fourth said: “This is exactly me, so pleased she’s posted this I feel better now xxxx”, while a fifth added: “I go up a dress size before my period.”
In the past Danielle has spoken out about her battle with endometriosis and how she feared it would leave her unable to have children.
The condition, which affects one in 10 women, causes tissue similar to the lining of the womb to grow in other places such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
This can make getting pregnant difficult and Danielle was left “devastated” when she was told there was a chance she may not be able to conceive in 2018.
However, she was blessed with daughter Orla in 2020, who turned two years old in May.
Danielle, who went on a hen do to Mykonos in June, will also walk down the aisle later this month when she ties the knot with childhood friend Tom.
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