Is it normal to weigh more during your period

Drinking kefir—fermented milk with the consistency of a thin yogurt—is especially helpful if dairy products give you digestive troubles. This "helps relax muscles and may reduce cramping during your period. Yes, chocolate has made the cut. And be sure it's not loaded with sugar, which causes inflammation. Not only do avocados promote brain health, but they're also high in potassium, with mg per half-cup serving, which research has shown to decrease sodium levels and increase urine production, thereby helping to reduce water retention and improve period bloating.

Kimchi is a savory Korean side dish that's primarily composed of salted napa cabbage and spices. Many cruciferous veggies, such as broccoli, are rich in calcium, which research has shown decreases PMS fatigue and depression. Many nuts and seeds are high in B vitamins particularly B1 thiamine , B6, and riboflavin , which have been shown to help decrease PMS symptoms such as irritability, fluid retention weight gain , and bloating, among others.

Think: unsalted almonds, pistachios, and sunflower seeds. Weight gain and bloating during your menstrual cycle is a prevalent—and often preventable—symptom of PMS.

Experts agree that these issues are frequently treatable with a combination of preventative measures like good nutrition and exercise and methods to monitor stress and hormone levels.

At the end of the day, it's also important not to put too much stock in a number on the scale. Being gentle with yourself and understanding the inputs and effects of what is happening in your body during your cycle can help manage the stress of unexpected weight gain or uncomfortable bloating. BMC Womens Health. Obstet Gynecol Int. Biomed Pharmacother.

Obesity Silver Spring. J Caring Sci. Kostov K. Int J Mol Sci. J Clin Invest. Updated February Just before your period, oestrogen and progesterone decrease rapidly, letting your body know that it is time to start menstruation. As these hormones also control the way your body regulates fluid, when they fluctuate, your tissues retain more water.

Unfortunately being on your period does not tend to make you crave salad or veg — it is the sweet and salty food you want to eat during this time. 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. To reduce both, increase the amount of fiber in your diet, particularly in the second half of the menstrual cycle, she suggests. Progesterone plays another weighty role during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It increases appetite, causing you to eat more.

To keep from gaining weight, avoid foods that decrease overall well-being. Bloating, food cravings, and weight gain are among the most common symptoms. A study of healthy women with regular menstrual cycles showed significant increases in appetite , protein intake, and total cravings, including those for chocolate, sweets, and salty flavors during the luteal, or premenstrual, phase before menstruation begins. Experiencing depression or anxiety are also hallmarks of PMS, which is thought to be caused by cyclic changes in the brain chemical serotonin.

Food cravings or binge eating are one of the symptoms of PMDD.