WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS DURING PMS

During your period, it’s normal to gain 1kg to 2kgs that goes away after a few days of bleeding. It’s a physical symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS includes a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that affect women several days to two weeks
before their period. These symptoms are caused by the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.

Weight gain and that bloated, sore feeling in your abdomen are common symptoms during your period. You might feel this way for a number of reasons.

1) Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can cause weight gain by increasing water retention in your body. These are caused by the rapid decrease of Estrogen and Progesterone, whereby one of their function is to control the way your body regulates fluid.

Estrogen Progesterone

Water retention may cause swelling or puffiness in your breasts, stomach, or extremities. This increases body weight, but not fat.

2) Bloating

Period bloating or stomach cramps can make your clothes feel tight and uncomfortable. This isn’t true weight gain, but you might feel like you’ve gained a few extra pounds.
During your period, hormonal changes can increase gas in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cause bloating. Water retention in your abdomen may also lead to bloating.

3) Overeating

The hormonal changes during your period can also make you overeat. In the week before your period, progesterone levels increase. Progesterone is an appetite stimulant. As progesterone rises, you might eat more than usual.

Estrogen also regulates serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls mood and reduces appetite. When estrogen drops right before your period, so does serotonin. The result is a bigger appetite. Low serotonin can also increase sugar cravings because high-carbohydrate foods help the body make serotonin. If serotonin is low, the brain craves more sugar. Eating high-sugar foods can increase your calorie intake and lead to weight gain.

4) Decrease in magnesium

When your period begins, magnesium levels gradually decrease. This drop can provoke sugar cravings and contribute to weight gain. Magnesium is a mineral that regulates your body’s hydration status. Low levels of magnesium can cause dehydration.

However, dehydration can mask itself as hunger. It can also make you desire sugary foods when you’re just thirsty. Eating high-sugar foods can contribute to weight gain.

So here are some of the treatments and prevention you can do if you are facing this problem.

  • Stay hydrated
  • Take Magnesium supplements
  • Avoid foods that give you gas
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat more healthy foods
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