It's normal to gain three to five pounds before your period, and this weight gain usually goes away a few days after your period starts.
Period weight gain usually goes away about three to five days after your period starts. However, there are some instances where it might be best to speak with a doctor who can determine if there are other issues at play besides your period.
How long does period weight gain last? Don't worry—assuming the weight gain is just temporary water retention, your weight should return to normal soon. “Water weight usually goes away about three to five days after your period starts,” says Dr. Landry.
The levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuate throughout the cycle and can lead to water retention. Water retention is highest around the midpoint of the monthly cycle and the 1-2 weeks before a period.
The bleeding tends to be heaviest in the first 2 days – but everyone is different. When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red. On lighter days, it may be pink, brown or black. You'll lose about 5 to 12 teaspoons of blood during your period although some women bleed more heavily than this.
If you notice that you weigh a few extra pounds during your period (or your clothes are feeling a bit tighter), you're not alone. It's common for people to feel heavier or gain a little bit of weight in the leadup to their period. In fact, researchers have studied and noted this since the 1960s (Watson, 1965).
These cravings are often for sweet, salty, or high-fat foods, but unfortunately, these types of unhealthy foods can actually make your PMS symptoms worse. It's normal to gain three to five pounds before your period, and this weight gain usually goes away a few days after your period starts.
Water retention and swelling
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.
Studies indicate that women retained most water and experienced the worst bloating on the first day of their period.
If you weigh yourself during your menstrual period, there are chances that the result may be higher than your actual weight. It is often normal to gain around 3-5 lbs just before period. You will lose this weight in a week following the menses.
When Should You Not Weigh Yourself? Ladies, do not weigh yourself 1-3 days prior to menstruation or during menstruation. You will be heavier, it's that simple. Just think about it this way: your body is preparing to bleed for a week!
"Progesterone can lead to water weight gain by allowing fluids to leak out of your blood vessels into surrounding tissues. This retention of water in your tissues can lead to the temporary weight gain around your period and will dissipate on its own after your cycle begins and your hormone levels drop," she says.
When you are done with your menses, bloating tends to reduce, mainly because of reduced hormonal fluctuation. Similarly, you also get to shed a few pounds because you have reduced cravings for fatty foods, resulting in added bloating.
As these hormones also control the way your body regulates fluid, when they fluctuate, your tissues retain more water. Water retention causes swelling or puffiness, which may occur in areas of your body such as the breasts and stomach and this increases your body weight but not fat.
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.
The menstrual cycle itself doesn't seem to affect weight gain or loss. But having a period may affect your weight in other ways. Many women get premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS can cause you to crave and eat more sweet or salty foods than normal.
Because of the hormonal fluctuations and water retention, one experiences a change in how they feel hungry and how much they want to eat. A change in the appetite occurs during the entire course of the menstruation because of which girls experience a weight loss.
For one, you don't burn more calories on your period, contrary to some locker room chatter. If anything, Sims says you burn slightly more calories when your hormones are higher (known as the post-ovulation luteal phase) because your heart rate, respiratory rate, and core temperature increase.
Stay away from foods that contain caffeine, salt, or sugar right before and during your period. Eat slowly: Eating too quickly can lead to swallowing air, which causes bloating. Try to slow down at meal times and avoid chewing gum and carbonated drinks, as these foods can also result in swallowing air.
The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle turned out to be the best time for fat burning. During the luteal phase, fat furnished 70 per cent of the energy necessary to run at 35% V02max, 58 per cent of the energy needed at 60% V02max, and 46 per cent of the fuel at 75% V02max.
“When the uterus is deprived of oxygen, it releases chemicals that may trigger the pain such as prostaglandins which increases uterine contractions. This type of period pain usually occurs during the second day of your period and is termed as Dysmenorrhea,” adds the expert.
The Right Way to Weigh In
Use your scale every morning after you empty your bladder (and before you eat or drink anything), wearing as little clothing as possible. Because you lose water weight overnight, you'll get a lower number, too. Place your scale on a hard, even surface—no carpeting.