Is it normal to weigh more on your period

Yep, kale and apple slices. Just kidding. Just being tired can make you crave salty or sweet foods , so the fatigue and hormones make for a cravings bonanza. Ooh, we almost forgot the constipation! Hormonal fluctuations can impact your intestines, causing gas, constipation, or other toilet-related troubles. In a survey of women, 73 percent reported experiencing GI symptoms before or during their period. The extra gas and lack of poop can make your bloating even worse, which makes those waistbands feel snug.

Almost always, your weight will return to its original state. Water retention is most intense on the first day of your period but decreases quickly after that.

Typically, your weight will be back to normal about 5 days after your period starts. As best you can, try not to worry about period weight gain. If you can control your hormones with the power of your mind, then yes! Smoking has been shown to make period symptoms worse — though there are plenty of other reasons to stop smoking too.

So if you smoke, try to quit. Being active also helps relieve symptoms. Oddly enough, a study found that runners experienced worse water retention on their period than nonrunners.

Lastly, try to keep your stress level down. Whether you meditate, journal, or talk to a friend, keeping stress hormones in check can make PMS symptoms less severe.

Period weight gain is normal and nothing to worry about. By eating less salt, increasing your magnesium, staying active, and getting enough sleep, you might be able to keep the bloating at bay. 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. In particular, people may experience food cravings in the days leading up to a period. Females may also experience water retention and bloating, which can give the appearance of weight gain. There are several steps people can take to prevent weight gain during a period. A person can practice healthful eating habits throughout their cycle. This includes eating less salt, sugar, and fat, and stocking up on low calorie snacks to satisfy food cravings.

Underweight women and women with eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa , that result in extreme weight loss may also be unintentionally impacting their menstrual cycles. Women without much fat on their bodies may have fewer periods or go longer without ovulating.

Starvation, as well as extreme exercise and stress, can trigger an effect that suppresses the hypothalamus. These women may be so underweight that their bodies simply stop making estrogen.

Additionally, the lack of fat doesn't allow cells to convert cholesterol into extra estrogen. Weight loss or gain can trigger changes in a woman's menstrual cycle, but can it ever go the other way? It often seems like that time of the month moves the needle on your scale a few notches in the direction of weight gain. The menstrual cycle does not directly impact weight loss or gain, but there may be some secondary connections.

On the list of premenstrual syndrome PMS symptoms are changes in appetite and food cravings , and that can affect weight. Studies show that women tend to crave foods high in fat and carbohydrates during specific phases of the menstrual cycle; women also tend to take in more calories during these phases.

Bloating , another uncomfortable yet temporary PMS symptom , leaves some women feeling heavy. Because salty foods can cause the body to retain water, which will show up on the scale as a temporary weight gain, it's best to watch your salt intake and focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet, full of fruits and vegetables, before, during, and after menstruation.