Experiencing Unusual Noises From My Stomach?
I’m a 22-year-old female, standing 5’8” and weighing 195 pounds. I occasionally use e-cigarettes and only smoke cannabis infrequently—around twice a year, at most. To provide some background, I have been diagnosed with insulin-resistant PCOS and have recently begun taking metformin and spironolactone. However, the noisy stomach issue I’m experiencing started prior to starting these medications. It has become quite a source of embarrassment for me. Can anyone shed light on the possible causes of my excessively loud stomach sounds? Notably, these noises seem to intensify after I eat, indicating that hunger is likely not the issue at play here.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 1:41:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with loud noises from your stomach, which can be concerning and embarrassing. These sounds, often referred to as borborygmi, can be caused by various factors, especially after eating. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening and some actionable steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Noisy stomach sounds can be caused by digestion, dietary choices, or gastrointestinal issues.
- Given your background of insulin-resistant PCOS and medications, there are specific considerations to keep in mind.
- Focus on diet and eating habits to help manage these sounds.
Explanation:
Stomach noises are typically a normal part of digestion, often related to the movement of gas and fluids through your intestines. However, if you notice that these sounds have increased significantly after meals, it might indicate a few possible causes:
-
Dietary Factors: Certain foods, particularly those high in fiber or those that can cause gas (like beans, carbonated drinks, and some vegetables), can lead to increased stomach noises. Dairy products may also cause issues if you're lactose intolerant.
-
Gastroparesis: This is a condition where the stomach empties more slowly than usual, which can lead to increased sounds as food moves through the digestive tract. This can be related to your PCOS or other metabolic factors.
-
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This common digestive disorder can cause increased gas and unusual noises, which may be more pronounced in stress or after eating.
Given your insulin resistance, sometimes a change in how your body processes food can lead to more pronounced digestive sounds.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Diet: Keep a food diary for at least a week to track what you eat and how your stomach responds after meals. Pay attention to any patterns, particularly regarding certain foods.
-
Consider Portion Sizes: Large meals can lead to excessive noise as they can sometimes overwhelm your digestive system. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can aid digestion and may help reduce noise from your stomach, especially if you’re experiencing bloating.
-
Limit Carbonated Drinks and Chewing Gum: Both can introduce excess air into your digestive system, leading to increased sounds.
-
Mindful Eating: Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, as this can aid digestion and reduce noises.
If you continue to experience discomfort, excessive bloating, or any other concerning symptoms alongside the noises, it may be beneficial to discuss this with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need clarification on any points!
Related Questions
Struggling with Persistent Heartburn and Indigestion
For the past four years, I (18-year-old female) have been grappling with various health issues, both physical and mental. Residing in New Zealand, I have faced challenges related to an eating disorder that has remained unresolved, largely due to inadequate therapists and treatment options. Recently, over the last year, and particularly in the past couple of months, I have been suffering from severe abdominal cramps and heartburn after consuming any food. This discomfort has significantly diminished my appetite, yet whenever I visit my doctor, I find myself receiving the same prescription for Omeprazole without any further investigation into my condition. The situation is becoming increasingly intolerable, and I feel lost in how to seek additional help. It feels as though my concerns are dismissed each time I bring them up. For context, I weigh 70 kilograms, stand at 168 centimeters tall, and am currently managing my mental health issues with medication for anxiety and depression, in addition to taking daily laxatives aimed at alleviating my digestive problems.
Enhancing Your Gut Health: Suggestions and Tips
Greetings! As a university student, I frequently encounter challenges with my digestive health. During the summer, I discovered that I am sensitive to both gluten and dairy; thankfully, I do not have any allergies or any issues with my internal organs. To assist with digestion and manage some parasites I have, I’ve been taking various supplements. However, despite these efforts, my gut health still feels subpar. Cooking and eating healthily is a passion of mine, which makes meal preparation enjoyable. However, I have struggled to shed pounds this summer, despite trying to maintain an active lifestyle. I've also cut back on sugary foods because my previous favorites are now restricted due to my sensitivities. What additional methods can I explore to enhance my gut health? I really miss feeling energetic and vibrant instead of constantly fatigued.
Checking In: Are Things Still Alright?
To provide some context, my husband, who is 21 years old, isn't particularly tall and has a slender build. He also has lactose intolerance and some digestive concerns. Here's the situation: a few months back, around three to four months ago, we were visiting a mutual friend who offered each of us an edible without disclosing that it contained a hefty 1000mg dosage. Although I find that hard to believe, considering the events that unfolded, it might be a possibility. We took the edibles, and about two hours later, most attendees were either asleep or completely passed out. One girl who had consumed hers earlier began waking up and vomiting profusely—this should have alerted us to potential dangers. When my husband and I attempted to sleep, rest eluded us. I struggled with breathing, felt nauseous, and genuinely feared for my well-being. I could sense my husband's anxiety, even though he was reluctant to express it. Eventually, I managed to drift off, but upon waking the following morning, I found that my husband had vomited in the bathroom. The content was dark, nearly black and grainy—a concerning color that I learned may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding. I'm increasingly convinced that this was the case. Do you share that sentiment? Afterward, for an entire week, he experienced severe stomach sensitivity. Others who had ingested the edible expressed feeling unwell and out of sorts for about three days post-consumption. The entire experience was negative; that period of high felt distressing, and it mirrored early experiences of bad highs I had during my initial encounters with smoking, but it was exponentially worse. I’m left wondering if it was just cannabis or if it could have been something laced. What are your thoughts on this incident? His stomach seems to have recovered after that week, but do you believe everything is back to normal, or could there still be underlying issues if we’re not cautious?
Concerns About Persistent Digestive Problems with Clear Tests but Ongoing Symptoms
I'm a 40-year-old woman who has been struggling with recurring digestive issues for around nine months. Over the last two months, these symptoms have become more frequent, causing me considerable concern. **Symptoms:** My discomfort includes intermittent bloating, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and persistent abdominal pain that varies in location. At times, the pain affects the pelvic area, while at other moments it’s felt in my lower back or the lower left side of my abdomen. There are instances when I experience no pain at all. **Visible Swelling:** Recently, I’ve noticed a slight bulge beneath my ribs in the upper right side of my abdomen. This area seems firmer and feels different from how it used to, lacking the softness or fluid-filled sensation. **Changes in Bowel Movements:** My stools range from being normal to other shapes, including some that resemble small hard balls and, on one occasion, a spiral form. **Additional Observations:** Lately, I’ve had mild nausea, but thankfully no bleeding or vomiting has occurred. **Tests Conducted to Date:** - An ultrasound of the abdomen conducted two months ago returned normal results. - Blood tests, a fecal test, and a urinalysis from a few months back also showed no abnormalities. - I have colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures scheduled for three months from now. **Questions I Have:** - Is it possible that this could indicate a serious condition such as cancer, or does it appear more consistent with IBS, IBD, or another gastrointestinal disorder? - Why wouldn’t the ultrasound detect the bulge that I can feel? - What steps can I take in the meantime while I await the upcoming scope examinations? I find myself feeling anxious as this ongoing discomfort has persisted for quite some time, increasingly impacting my day-to-day life. I would greatly appreciate any insights, reassurance, or guidance on this matter.
Persistent Light Yellow Diarrhea with a Sweet Odor (35 Male)
I am a 35-year-old Caucasian male from the UK. I maintain a smoke-free and alcohol-free lifestyle, measuring 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing slightly under 14 stone. I do not use illegal substances and besides having irritable bowel syndrome, I am generally in good health, without any other conditions or prescription drugs. While my routine doesn't prioritize exercise as I work from home, I do make an effort to play musical instruments and take walks when I can. This morning at 5 am, I experienced severe abdominal pain, almost as if a knife were being driven from behind my navel down to my groin. Afterward, I had to rush to the bathroom and since then, I've been dealing with diarrhea every 20 minutes throughout the day. Though I haven’t eaten at all, I’ve kept myself hydrated with water and consumed two glasses of apple juice. I’ve taken a packet of Imodium to no avail and have resorted to Buscopan to alleviate the discomfort. Initially, the diarrhea started with a typical brown hue and an unpleasant odor, but as the day progressed, the color and smell have transformed noticeably. Since around 3 pm, it has shifted to a pale yellow shade with an oddly sweet, albeit unpleasant scent. The episodes continue to occur every 20 minutes, especially after I have a drink. There also appear to be stringy substances or possibly mucus present, which I suspect could be remnants of undigested food. Additionally, I noticed an oily appearance to the stool, similar to the way oil separates in a bowl of ramen when mixed. My stomach has been gurgling relentlessly all day, sounding as if liquid is continuously swirling, akin to the operation of a water cooler. I’ve felt quite bloated, but fortunately, there hasn't been any significant pain. This yellow diarrhea is a new experience for me. I’ve consulted online sources for information, but I understand that it’s not always wise to rely on the internet for medical advice as it can suggest a multitude of potential issues. I would appreciate guidance on whether I should seek medical care, if there are indications for concern, or what specific symptoms I ought to monitor. Thank you for your assistance.