Period weight goes away a few days into a woman’s period. Fondly known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) weight gain, it is a common experience for women who see their period. Those worried about weight gain during this time usually have very little or nothing to worry about.
This is because the extra weight just stays for a couple of days or around a week. It is also worth noting that the extra weight is not considered too significant by many. The normal range of weight that a woman can gain during this time is usually between 3 – 5 pounds. We have other interesting discussions about this subject in this IST Health sexuality post. You will learn a lot provided you read on.
Summary
5 Reasons for Premenstrual Syndrome Weight Gain
There are several medically confirmed reasons for weight gain during this period. Listed and explained below are 5 of them:
Hormonal Fluctuations
The levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones change at various periods during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Particularly, hormonal changes triggered by PMS are responsible for this weight gain that happens at least once every month. This singular reason influences many of the other reasons discussed below.
Water Retention
The body has a normal way of disposing of water (body fluid). This happens through perspiration, excretion, and exhalation. This still happens during a woman’s period. However, changes in the levels of estrogen hormone, as well as progesterone hormone alter the rate at which water is let out of the body. This water retention leads to symptoms like weight gain and even bloating.
Fatigue and Inactivity
Some women are very active with exercise and in their daily routine. But even many of them feel fatigued when they experience their menstrual period. This causes a lot of them and women at large to stay off exercise. Generally, women are usually inactive during this period.
Inordinate Cravings for High-Calorie Foods
Besides PMS-induced fatigue, it certainly does not help that some women give in to inordinate cravings for high-calorie foods. Usually, these are foods that have very high amounts of sugar and sodium chloride (salt).
You should be cautious about your eating habit if weight loss rather than weight gain is your goal during this period. For starters, do not request any high-calorie food. This includes foods that contain high amounts of salt and sugar.
Reduce your intake of such meals at the very least. Just as women need to be mindful of what they take while pregnant, they need to mind their eating habits during their menstrual period.
Vaginal and Reproductive Health Challenges
Extra weight during your period is normal as pointed out above. However, it could also be a result of vaginal and reproductive health challenges. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a perfect example.
Excessive weight gain during menstruation is one of many other PCOS symptoms. Seeing menstrual periods irregularly is another PCOS symptom. Those who notice these symptoms need to visit their clinic for proper diagnosis and the needed medical treatment.
Other posts on this website can be read to keep you well-informed. For example, you can read this sexuality-related post on reasons why a woman may see her period twice in one month on birth control.