Women feel their abdomen is heavy and swollen just before and at the start of her period. This can be uncomfortable and may negatively affect self-confidence as the bloating can feel like swelling and weight gain causing their stomach to stick out.
Period bloating is a condition that occurs before or during your period. It causes a distended belly and an uncomfortable, tight feeling. Period bloating is believed to be caused by the hormone changes that take place each month during your period.
Progesterone, Estrogen and Bloating
Elevated estrogen levels just before a period can cause women to retain more water than usual. A drop in the hormone progesterone, which helps to rid the body of excess salt and fluid, means that that water retention may lead to bloating in the days leading up to a period.
An estimated 70 percent of women experience bloating during their period, according to Diana Bitner, MD, a Michigan-based ob-gyn. It usually starts to kick in about one to two days before the start of your period, according to the Mayo Clinic, but some women may experience swelling up to five days beforehand.
One easy way to tell the difference between bloat and belly fat is to note belly fat does not cause your stomach to expand wildly throughout the course of a day; bloat does. One other way to tell the difference between bloat and belly fat is you can physically grasp belly fat with your hand, you cannot with bloat.
Period weight gain does not mean that you have gained the lost fat again. It is just water retention that happens due to change in the level of hormones and excessive intake of salty and unhealthy food items. Water weight gain is temporary and you lose it within a week after your monthly menstrual cycle ends.
Hormone fluctuations affect water retention, appetite, and more—all part of how they cause swelling and weight gain before and during your period.
How long does period weight gain last? Don't worry—assuming the weight gain is just temporary water retention, your weight should return to normal soon. “Water weight usually goes away about three to five days after your period starts,” says Dr. Landry.
Your skin during menstruation
During the first days of your cycle, levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are low. This causes dry, dull skin and can make lines or wrinkles appear more obvious. Moisturizing and hydration can be great skin boosters during the initial days of your cycle.
Progesterone activates the hormone aldosterone, which causes the kidneys to retain water and salt. Water retention can lead to bloating and swelling, particularly in the abdomen, arms, and legs. This can give the appearance of weight gain.
Recent research suggests that diets high in inflammatory foods such as meat, oil, sugar, and salt can contribute to period cramps. “The underlying cause of painful periods is thought to be inflammation, so anything that reduces it and improves blood flow to the uterus may help with symptoms during your cycle,” says Dr.
Because of the hormonal fluctuations and water retention, one experiences a change in how they feel hungry and how much they want to eat. A change in the appetite occurs during the entire course of the menstruation because of which girls experience a weight loss.
For one, you don't burn more calories on your period, contrary to some locker room chatter. If anything, Sims says you burn slightly more calories when your hormones are higher (known as the post-ovulation luteal phase) because your heart rate, respiratory rate, and core temperature increase.
When Should You Not Weigh Yourself? Ladies, do not weigh yourself 1-3 days prior to menstruation or during menstruation. You will be heavier, it's that simple. Just think about it this way: your body is preparing to bleed for a week!
The menstrual cycle itself doesn't seem to affect weight gain or loss. But having a period may affect your weight in other ways. Many women get premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS can cause you to crave and eat more sweet or salty foods than normal.
This bloating and weight gain is due to hormonal fluctuation and water retention. Monthly variations or fluctuations in weight are common during the period; therefore, it is better not to weigh during this time to avoid confusion and unnecessary anxiety.
A person should avoid weighing themselves at gyms, health clubs, and other fitness facilities. Although the scales may be accurate, there are more variables that are hard to control, such as the time of the day, activity level, and clothing choices.
Causes include poor diet, lack of exercise, and short or low-quality sleep. A healthy diet and active lifestyle can help people lose excess belly fat and lower the risk of problems associated with it.
1. Exercise: Vigorous exercise trims all your fat, including visceral fat. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 5 days a week. Walking counts, as long as it's brisk enough that you work up a sweat and breathe harder, with your heart rate faster than usual.
"We wake up in the morning with a flatter stomach, because we don't have all of the food and drink we consume in the day going through. Normally we wake up, empty our bladder and bowel, and then as the day goes on, we increase the fluids and what we eat, and this builds up and looks like bloat throughout the day."