Is Gaining Weight Before Period Normal? 5 Ways To Manage It

Did you know why some women are gaining weight before period?

What are the reasons for the period-related weight gain? Is it normal to gain weight before the period?

If you don’t know the answers to the above questions, then this article is for you.

This article will explore why many women are gaining weight before period, and we also conclude the ways to address period weight gain.

Share this article with your friends, family, and loved ones suffering from the related problem.

Gaining Weight Before Period

Gaining weight before period is generally seen in women and can also be considered a symptom for upcoming periods.

Gaining weight before period and during the period is known as PMS (Pre-menstrual syndrome) weight gain.

This weight gain is related to hormonal changes that occur before you get your period, which is the luteal phase. It is the last phase of your menstrual cycle. After this phase, again, the menstrual cycle starts.

Common Causes Of Weight Gain Before And During The Period

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Health, over 90% of women report that they get some premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, headaches, weight gain, and mood swings.

These symptoms are typical, and you might feel this for several reasons.

Hormonal Changes Is The Major Culprit

Water retention is the most common PMS (Pre-menstrual syndrome) symptom and is seen in about 92% of the women who menstruate.

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That means, if you have Premenstrual syndrome, you are more likely to retain water in your body and appear to gain weight.

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle cause water retention in the body and lead to gaining weight before period and during the period.

Water retention can also lead to bloating. Some women notice swelling in the abdomen, arms, and legs. As a result, people feel their clothes tighter and appear to be gaining weight before period.

Gaining weight before period

In the menstrual phases, hormones like estrogen and progesterone rapidly decrease in women.

Estrogen and progesterone likewise control how your body regulates fluid. When these hormones fluctuate, the tissues in your body retain more water.

Thus your body includes more water, and you may look like you are gaining weight before period.

However, retaining water in the body does not always signify gaining weight.

A recent study conducted on 60 women in 2014 who had complained of bloating and swelling did have significant swelling in the face, breasts, abdomen, and legs.

But, there were no considerable changes in weight throughout the participant’s menstrual cycles.

You Are More Likely To Have Food Cravings

Many women notice a change in appetite throughout periods.

These changes in appetite occur at different stages of the menstrual cycle, namely the follicular phase and the luteal phase.

The bleeding phase in women before ovulation is called the follicular phase. Estrogen hormone is dominant in this phase. The more the estrogen, the less the cravings will be. Hence you eat less in this phase (bleeding phase).

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The luteal phase begins after the ovulation period and lasts for a week till the first day of the next period. During this period, progesterone hormone is dominant, and it stimulates apatite (cravings).

A 2016 study found that women tend to eat more calories after periods (luteal phase) because of increased food cravings, especially sweets, chocolates, and processed foods.

How Much Weight Gain Is Considered Normal Before a Period?

Gaining weight before period is natural and is quite normal. Most women gain 2 to 3 kgs (5 to 7 pounds) before or during their period. But this weight is mostly water and is considered to be expected.

The extra gaining weight before period is lost automatically after the period is over. Generally, this weight change appears 4-7 days before and 4-7 days post period.

Other usual periods symptoms are:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of concentration
  • Mood swings
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Appetite changes
  • breast tenderness
  • bloating

5 Ways Manage Gaining Weight Before Period?

Period bloating and gaining weight before period is quite normal. However, you can reverse these symptoms. Here is how.

Workout regularly
  • Eat healthy food. Every health professional or expert suggests eating healthy to reverse these period-related symptoms. Consuming foods high in chemicals and additives and low in whole foods will increase your chances of suffering from bloating and weight gain during the premenstrual period.
  • Get more water. Experts suggest drinking at least eight glasses of water per day to flush your system. Staying hydrated can reduce water retention in your body. Your body is more likely to retain moisture when you are dehydrated.
  • Don’t neglect physical activity. The best way is, stick to your regular workout plan despite your cramps and fatigue. Some women may not feel like a workout on periods, but working out for at least 30 mins can help release endorphins and combat the hormonal effects.
  • Avoid processed foods. Foods that are rich in salt, mainly processed foods, contribute to water retention in your body. So, salt is the main reason for your bloating. Reducing salt intake can help with period-related stomach issues.
  • Add more magnesium to your diet. Magnesium decreases,
    • Water retention,
    • Bloating,
    • Gas and
    • Cravings.
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Consult a doctor before supplementing with magnesium.

FAQ’s

How to prevent gaining weight before period?

1. Eat healthy foods that are rich in fiber.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Avoid processed foods.
4. Do not consume too much caffeine.
5. Work out regularly.

How long does the weight gained during period last?

Generally, the PMS weight gain lasts for 4-7 days post periods.

What are the general periods symptoms?

Depression
Anxiety
Lack of concentration
Mood swings
Confusion
Headache
Abdominal pain
Appetite changes
breast tenderness
bloating

The Conclusion

Some women notice weight gain before periods and that is normal. This kind of gaining weight just before periods is called PMS weight gain. The weight that is gained in this period lasts no more than 7 days. I hope this article cleared your doubt.

If you have any doubt, query or suggestion, Feel free to comment or send us a message on social media.


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Mujja Saikumar, founder of The Muscly Advisor is an Aeronautical engineering graduate formed an obsession with fitness and helping people to clear all the health and fitness-related doubts through Blogs, videos, and social media. Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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