Do You Gain Weight on Your Period?
Do you share the common sentiment among women that they dread their period? Every time it comes around, do you notice that you’re gaining weight and feeling bloated? It’s not just you. Weight gain is a common occurrence for women during their menstrual cycle, and it can be upsetting and demoralising. But is this gaining weight typical? Why does it occur, too? This article will discuss the causes of weight gain during your period and management strategies.
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
Let’s first discuss the menstrual cycle before discussing weight gain throughout your period. The monthly process your body goes through to become ready for pregnancy is called the menstrual cycle. It is managed by hormones that alter your uterus, ovaries, and other bodily functions.
The menstrual phase, the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, and the luteal phase are the four phases that make up the menstrual cycle, which normally lasts between 28 and 32 days. You might put on weight during the luteal phase, which comes after ovulation.
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Do You Gain Weight on Your Period?
Women frequently gain a little weight when on their period. Water retention, hormone changes, and increased appetite are a few causes that could be to blame.
Hormone levels change throughout the menstrual cycle, and certain of these hormones might make the body retain water. This may result in bloating and a brief gain in weight. Additionally, cravings and hunger may worsen at this time, increasing calorie intake and possibly contributing to weight gain.
It’s crucial to remember that any weight gain related to the menstrual cycle is often very transitory and should go away after the period is finished. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and staying hydrated can all help to lessen some of the symptoms and prevent weight gain.
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Why You May Gain Weight During Your Period
There are a number of causes for weight gain during your period. The most typical are listed here:
- Water Retention
Your body retains more water during your menstrual period than usual. Your body retains salt and water as a result of hormonal changes. Bloating and weight gain may result from this.
- Food Cravings
Food cravings are common among women during their menstrual cycle. If you give in to these desires, which are frequently for high-calorie, high-sugar foods, you risk gaining weight.
- Hormonal Changes
Your metabolism may be impacted by hormonal changes that occur during your menstrual cycle, which could result in lower-than-normal calorie burning. Additionally, this may lead to weight gain.
- Stress
Your weight can be significantly impacted by stress. You could feel more stressed than normal during your period, which might result in weight gain.
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Managing Weight Gain During Your Period
Now that you know why you could put on weight during your period, let’s look at some management techniques.
- Stay Hydrated
Water consumption in large amounts might help flush away extra salt and lessen bloating.
- Eat a Balanced Diet
Despite how alluring it may be, eating whatever you want as long as you eat a balanced diet. Eat as much fruit, veggies, lean protein, and complete grains as you can.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercise on a regular basis helps lower stress, balance hormones, and burn calories.
- Get Enough Sleep
Having a healthy weight requires getting adequate sleep. Sleep for 7-8 hours every night.
- Manage Stress
Your weight can be significantly impacted by stress. Look for techniques to control your stress levels, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
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Prevention of Weight Gain During Periods
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: It is possible to lessen the likelihood of weight gain during periods by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes frequent exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.
- Avoid Processed Foods: Frequently high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, processed foods cause water retention and weight gain.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can cause the body to become dehydrated, causing water retention and bloating.
- Manage Stress: Stress can mess with the hormonal balance in our bodies, causing weight gain during periods. Weight growth can be halted by reducing stress through meditation, yoga, or other restorative practises.
- Consider Hormonal Birth Control: In order to decrease water retention and weight gain during periods, hormonal birth control can help balance out hormonal imbalances.
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Conclusion
It’s important to keep in mind that weight gain during your period is a typical aspect of the menstrual cycle even if it might be annoying. You might feel more in control of your body and have less anxiety if you know why it occurs and how to handle it. You can lessen the effects of weight gain during your period by remaining hydrated, eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, getting adequate sleep, and controlling stress.
FAQs
Is it normal to gain weight during your period?
Yes, gaining weight during your period is normal and is brought on by changes in your hormones, which cause water retention among other things.
How much weight can you gain during your period?
While it can vary from person to person, the average weight gain for women during their period is 1 to 5 pounds.
How long does water retention last during your period?
A week or longer is not uncommon for water retention to last. It typically starts a few days before to the onset of your menstruation and may last until it concludes.
Can exercise help with weight gain during your period?
Yes, regular exercise can help manage weight gain during your period by regulating hormones, lowering stress levels, and burning calories.
Should I restrict my calorie intake during my period to avoid weight gain?
No, it’s crucial to keep your diet balanced and consume enough calories to meet your body’s needs. In fact, cutting calories can make you crave more food and make you gain weight.
When does period weight go away?
Once your period has ended, the weight you gained during your period usually disappears within a few days.
When does period weight gain start?
Due to hormonal changes that result in water retention, period weight gain might start a few days prior to the onset of your period.
Do you lose weight after your period ends?
Absolutely, it’s normal to lose the weight you put on during your period a few days after it’s over.
Does late period cause weight gain?
Although hormonal changes that may be linked to a late period can result in temporary water retention and bloating, a late period does not directly cause weight gain.
Why am I losing weight on my period?
Due to hormonal shifts and altered appetite, weight loss is a common occurrence during a period.
How to lose weight during periods without exercise?
You can concentrate on eating a healthy, balanced diet with lots of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables while lowering your intake of processed and high-sugar foods to lose weight while without exercising. Additionally, reducing salt intake and drinking lots of water can help with bloating. However, it’s crucial to remember that exercise is good for overall health and controlling weight, so it’s advised to include physical activity whenever practical.
References:
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Why weight gain often comes with menopause. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/why-weight-gain-often-comes-with-menopause
- Cleveland Clinic. (2017). Why does my weight fluctuate during my menstrual cycle? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-does-my-weight-fluctuate-during-my-menstrual-cycle/
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/premenstrual-syndrome-pms
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Premenstrual water retention: What causes it? https://www.mayoclinic.org/premenstrual-water-retention/expert-answers/faq-20058273
- (2021). Do you gain weight on your period? https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/do-you-gain-weight-on-your-period
