Why during menstruation weight gain

Females also report increased food cravings, particularly for sweets, chocolate, and salty foods. Not all studies show that food cravings result in an increased number of calories consumed and an increase in weight. However, people who do consume more calories as a result of their cravings may experience some weight gain. People may experience increased water and salt retention around the time of their period. This is due to an increase in the hormone progesterone.

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. However, water retention does not always signify weight gain. A study investigated water retention in females who complained of swelling during their period.

Circumference measurements taken throughout the study indicated that the participants did have significant swelling in the following areas:. Many people experience both physical and psychological symptoms during a period. Symptoms may include:. The type, severity, and duration of symptoms will vary from person to person. Additionally, some people may experience a combination of symptoms, while others may not experience any at all. Premenstrual symptoms tend to start a few days before bleeding, or menstruation, and stop once menstruation occurs.

Medical providers can diagnose people with premenstrual syndrome PMS if:. A doctor may also recommend taking a magnesium supplement. This can help to alleviate the following symptoms of PMS:. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe diuretics to people who complain of water retention during their period. Diuretics help to reduce the amount of water that the body stores. Researchers have found that certain oral contraceptives can also help reduce water retention.

In a study, females who took 3 milligrams mg of drospirenone and 30 micrograms mcg of ethinyl estradiol had reduced water retention. Nonetheless, their body weight remained unchanged. The process of water retention often leads to swelling or puffiness in your breasts and stomach. So, the weight gain during the period is basically water and not fat. As soon as you are done with your 5 days, the level of hormones comes back to normal and you lose all the gained weight.

Thirdly, during the period, craving for unhealthy and fattening food increases. Most of the time women cave in to their cravings and binge eat. That's due to fall in the level of progesterone, which works as an appetite stimulant. Eating high-sugar or high-fat foods can increase calorie intake and a low amount of physical activity can easily lead to weight gain.

Most women gain 2 to 3 kilos during their period. But this weight is generally water weight and after the period is over, the extra weight is lost automatically. The changes generally start to appear 3 to 4 days before the monthly cycle and disappear day after that. Other normal symptoms noticed during the period include:. There is no need to worry about water weight gain during the period.

It is quite normal. You just need to stay away from eating unhealthy, sugar and fat-laden food items. The weight gain caused due to overeating is permanent and you have to make extra effort to lose those extra kilos. Here are a few things that you can do during the period to stay healthy. Drink more water: Drink enough water throughout the week.

This will help to maintain the electrolyte level in the body and prevent your body from conserving fluids. Eat fiber-rich foods: Eating fiber-rich foods can prevent constipation, which is common during this time.

Fiber will help in easy movement of bowel and prevent you from overeating. Reduce salt intake: Eating too much salt during this time can increase water retention and make you feel more bloated. So, avoid excessive salt intake as much as possible. Exercises : It is absolutely alright to exercise during the period. Even if you choose to perform low-impact exercises, it is alright. Do not skip it. Please Click Here to subscribe other newsletters that may interest you, and you'll always find stories you want to read in your inbox.

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Is it good or hopeless? Find out now! This can contribute to weight gain, especially if you have increased hunger or cravings. A week before your period, estrogen and progesterone both increase, causing fatigue and low endurance. It might feel uncomfortable to exercise as it gets closer to your period.

In addition to weight gain, you may have other physical and emotional symptoms during your period. These changes may show up with or without weight gain.

You might experience different symptoms each month or as you get older. Every woman is different. More than 90 percent of women experience some combination of these symptoms. By practicing healthy habits throughout the month, you can prevent weight gain or water retention during your period.

Generally, it will go away a few days after your period starts. Period-related weight gain is caused by hormonal fluctuations. It may be the result of water retention, overeating, sugar cravings, and skipping workouts due to cramps.

Period bloating and gastrointestinal issues might also create the sensation of weight gain. To ease water retention, stay hydrated and reduce salt intake. Move around and get regular exercise. You can also take diuretics for water retention or magnesium for bloating.

Water retention involves increased amounts of fluids building up inside the body. Here are 6 simple ways to reduce water retention. Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia, is an often overlooked health problem.

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