It's typical to gain three to five pounds during your period, but this weight loss goes away after a few days of bleeding.
Gaining weight is an actual manifestation of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Women experience a variety of physical, mental, and behavioural symptoms associated with PMS from a few days to two weeks before to their menstruation. The hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle are to blame for these symptoms.
PMS is fairly widespread and affects more than 90% of menstruating women.
During your period, you could gain weight and experience abdominal bloating and pain. There are several reasons why you might feel this way.
Hormonal changes can make you gain weight by making you retain more water. Progesterone and oestrogen rapidly fall in the days leading up to your period. This alerts your body that menstruation should start. Progesterone and oestrogen also impact how your body controls fluids. Your body’s tissues hold onto more water when these hormone levels vary. Edema, or the retention of water, is the outcome. Your breasts, stomach, or extremities could become swollen or puffy as a result of water retention. Although body weight is increased, fat is not.
Another typical PMS symptom is water retention. It has an impact on 92 percent of menstruating women. Clothing that is too tight or uncomfortable can be caused by period bloating or stomach cramps. Although you may feel as though you’ve put on a few pounds, this isn’t a real weight gain. Hormonal changes during your period may increase gas in your GI tract and result in bloating. Bloating may also be brought on by water retention in your abdomen. Bloating is characterised by tightness or swelling in the stomach or other areas of the body.
The sense of weight gain might also be brought on by stomach discomfort. Your uterus releases substances known as prostaglandins, which are what trigger these cramps. Your uterus contracts and sheds its lining as a result of prostaglandins. While you’re on your period, this produces stomach pain. Five days prior to the onset of your period, bloating may begin and last through the first few days of menstruation. Additionally, stomach pains, which start one or two days prior to your period and linger for a few days, can occur.
You may overeat as a result of the hormonal changes that occur during your period. The progesterone levels rise the week before your period. A stimulant of appetite, progesterone. You could eat more than normal as your progesterone levels rise. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and suppresses hunger, is also controlled by oestrogen. Serotonin levels decrease at the same time as oestrogen just before your period. The outcome is an increase in appetite. Because foods heavy in carbohydrates aid in the body’s production of serotonin, low serotonin can also lead to an increase in sugar cravings. The brain needs more sweets when serotonin levels are low. Consuming foods high in sugar can increase calorie consumption and cause weight gain.
During your menstrual cycle, your metabolism rate changes, which may cause you to feel more hungry and seek high-calorie foods. Hormonal changes throughout your cycle might cause GI problems like constipation, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Your stomach pain and bloating may make you feel as though you have put on weight. A week before your period, progesterone levels rise. Due to impaired intestinal muscular contractions, this causes constipation and sluggish digestion.
Your uterus starts to release prostaglandins as your menstruation starts. Muscle contractions in the uterus and stomach are brought on by prostaglandins. You can get abdominal and pelvic pain. By interfering with the electrolyte and fluid balance in the small intestine, prostaglandins can also result in diarrhoea. Healthy women frequently experience GI problems prior to and during their menstruation. By using natural therapies, altering your lifestyle, and taking pharmaceuticals, you can lessen water retention and bloating during your period.
Up your water intake: Although it seems counterintuitive, maintaining hydration can help with water retention. If you’re dehydrated, your body will preserve more fluids.
Stock up on nutritious food: If you are prone to cravings, have healthy alternatives on available. When a craving for sugar strikes, try eating items like fruits or protein bars.
Remain active: By moving around and walking, you can lessen fluid accumulation. Sweating through exercise will help you get rid of extra water.
During your period, you should expect to put on three to five pounds. Typically, it will disappear a few days after the start of your period. Hormonal changes are the root cause of weight gain associated with periods. It could be brought on by eating too much, seeking sugar, or skipping workouts because of cramps. Additionally, gastrointestinal problems and period bloating might give the impression of weight increase.
Stay hydrated and cut back on salt intake to prevent water retention. Get active and exercise frequently. You can also take magnesium for bloating or diuretics for water retention. Consult your doctor if you experience excruciating cramps, bloating, or abdominal pain during your period.
Parvathy Sukumaran 
