It’s not just you: The scale really does move during that time of the month. I can have a swing of up to 7lbs some months!
But it’s not technically as bad as it sounds in that a lot of that period weight gain is water weight and only temporary. You retain a lot of fluid when your period comes, and then the weight goes away afterward.
Still, that doesn’t make it any less annoying but keep these factors in mind the next time the scale ticks up ever-so-slightly during that time of the month.
Your hormones maybe to blame!!!
The female sex hormone estrogen peaks during the latter part of your menstrual cycle, right before your period and high levels of it can indirectly lead your body to retain fluid, making you feel bloated and potentially causing you to gain a few pounds of water weight.
The good news: Estrogen levels drop as you start your period, so you’ll feel some relief just in time for the cramps to kick in.
The other hormone at play here is progesterone. Progesterone levels spike in the second half of your cycle, leading to water retention, breast tenderness, and sometimes water weight gain.
You have cravings??
Wild guess: Your period probably doesn’t leave you craving broccoli. It’s the salty and sweet stuff that’s on your mind.
Unfortunately, those foods are exactly what you don’t need right now. Munching on salty crisps, chocolate or cake, leads to fluid retention.
If you’re soothing yourself with Dominos and ice cream, it’s possible that an extra pound may stick around after your period peaces out.
If you’re trying to lose weight, make sure you’re hydrated, seek out lean protein like Greek yogurt to keep you full, and eat mindfully to keep your weight-loss goals on track.
You don’t feel like working out!!!
You feel lazy, bloated, and tired, I get it. But even though hitting the gym may be the last thing on your mind, working up a sweat might help keep your body and the scales in check!
That’s because sweating helps you shed extra water weight. Plus, that endorphin boost can squash cramps.
You’re drinking more caffeine???
It’s really tempting to load up on caffeinated beverages during your period because you feel so damn tired. But suddenly introducing more coffee into your diet can also cause bloating and discomfort.
But coffee’s not the only culprit; anything with caffeine contributes to this and that goes double for diet carbonated soft drinks which usually also come with artificial sweeteners, which are even worse for bloating.
So remember your weight may fluctuate during your cycle but staying hydrated and exercising will help ?
Julie x