7 Unknown Reasons For Weight Gain During Your Period

The monthly menstrual cycle helps women prepare for pregnancy (1). But do you gain weight on your period? Well, yes, you may gain between 2 to 5 pounds on your period. But this weight gain stops within a few days after your periods end. Weight gain during periods could also be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur post theovulationⁱ  XThe phase where one of the ovaries releases a mature egg two weeks before the menses. stage. These happen when the estrogenⁱ  XThis hormone aids in the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system and the development of feminine traits like breasts. and progesteroneⁱ  XThis hormone released by the ovaries regulates periods and supports the uterus during the initial stages of pregnancy. levels drop suddenly. Thankfully, the symptoms subside when you get your periods, and the hormone levels rise again(2).

Women with PMS become cranky, and the weight gain may only add to the emotional distress. But worry not – the universe is not conspiring against you. We are all in it together. If you are struggling to shed the period weight gain, we can tell you a few ways that can help. Continue reading to understand how you can get rid of period weight gain.

In This Article

Is Weight Gain During Your Period Normal?

Yes, gaining weight during your periods is normal. Be it water retention or hormonal changes, if you find yourself puffing up during your periods, rest assured that it is a temporary change and is a common occurrence during menstrual days. However, being aware of the possible causes can help deal with it better.

7 Reasons For Weight Gain During Periods

Shutterstock

1. Water Retention

Water retention is one of the major reasons for weight gain during periods. This mainly occurs due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, progesterone and estrogen levels fall down, which is a sign that you are due for your next period. These two hormones regulate water balance in your body. When this is in the lower range, tissue fluids accumulate, and your start to feel heavy and plump and gain weight(3).

You can feel water retention or heaviness in your breast or stomach or can notice a little swelling in your extremities. This increases water weight, but it does not mean that your body fat percentage has increased.

2. Disturbed Digestion

Hormones are the main culprits here. Improper hormonal balance slows down the peristaltic movement of the gut and impairs the digestion process. Sometimes, fluctuating estrogen and progesterone hormones increase gas retention in the stomach, causing bloating or distention. You may experience stomach cramps before and during your periods due to the secretion of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that initiate uterus contraction. Studies showed that these symptoms increased rectal sensitivity among IBS patients, and they felt it quite often during their periods(4).