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Do you gain weight during your period? Separating fact from fiction

Women standing on weighing scales with a measuring tape around her feet

Do you gain weight during your period?

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Do you weigh more on your period? Here’s the answer

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<br>  

Do you usually worry about __weight gain during periods__? Worry not since a little bit of __period weight gain__ is completely normal, and you will go back to your usual weight a few days after your period. However, we can dissect what causes a majority of women to feel bloated and experience minor weight gain during their period.

1.	[Reasons for weight gain during periods](#reasons-for-weight-gain-during-periods)
      - [Affected Fluid Regulation](#affected-fluid-regulation)
      - [Overeating](#overeating)
      - [Gastrointestinal Problems](#gastrointestinal-problems)
      - [Decreased Physical Exercise](#decreased-physical-exercise)
      - [Drop in Magnesium Levels](#drop-in-magnesium-levels)

2.	[How much weight gain is normal during periods?](#how-much-weight-gain-is-normal-during-periods)
3.	[How to prevent weight gain during periods?](#how-to-prevent-weight-gain-during-periods)
      - [Keep up with your routine](#keep-up-with-your-routine)
      - [Stay hydrated](#stay-hydrated)
      - [Skip salt](#skip-salt)
      - [Add supplements to your diet](#add-supplements-to-your-diet)
      - [Control your cravings](#control-your-cravings)


Reasons for weight gain during periods

<br>     

Although many menstruating women gain weight, __how much weight do you gain on your period__ depends on a plethora of different factors. Some of the most common include: 

<div id="affected-fluid-regulation"></div>
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<h3 class="bluetext">Affected Fluid Regulation</h3>  

The fluid in your body is regulated by the two hormones, oestrogen, and progesterone. In the days before your period, when your body is preparing for menstruation, the levels of these hormones start to fluctuate. This results in an increased water retention which increases the water weight in your body thereby causing __weight gain before periods__.<br><br>
<div id="overeating"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Overeating</h3>

If you have noticed a spike in your food cravings or an increased appetite a few days or even weeks before your period, then you should know that you are not alone. An increase in desire to eat certain foods can be traced back to PMS and disturbed levels of progesterone.   
<br>
Progesterone is a hormone which is responsible for appetite stimulation. So naturally, when progesterone increases, so do the hunger pangs which results in overeating and weight gain.


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue">Reasons for weight gain during periods</h2>

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<div id="gastrointestinal-problems"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Gastrointestinal Problems</h3>

When your body’s progesterone levels increase, it negatively impacts digestion and might result in constipation and [bloating](/tips-and-advice-for-women/pms/3-tried-and-true-pms-bloating-remedies). If you experience constipation before or during your period, your body’s chances of gaining weight also increase simultaneously.  
<br>
Gastrointestinal issues also bring a lot of other [PMS symptoms](/tips-and-advice-for-women/pms/pms-symptoms-causes-and-treatment ) along with them. This includes abdominal pain, fluid imbalance and electrolyte issues which may cause you to feel like you have gained weight.
<br><br>
<div id="decreased-physical-exercise"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Decreased Physical Exercise</h3>

When you are cramped, bloated, or constipated, getting yourself out of the bed becomes an even bigger task. And, if you are amongst the women who sit with a hot water compress pressed against your stomach, waiting for the pain to pass, then performing everyday tasks also becomes a challenge. All these factors combined may result in you gaining weight while you are on your period. 
<br><br>
<div id="drop-in-magnesium-levels"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Drop in Magnesium Levels</h3>

Several women experience a decrease in their magnesium levels when they are menstruating or right before their period. These lower levels of magnesium make you feel dehydrated and even result in sugar cravings. If you end up giving into these cravings, then the chances are that you will gain some weight during your periods.


How much weight gain is normal during periods

<br>
It is normal to gain some weight before or during your period. You can expect to gain anywhere between one to three kilos during this time. Having said that, it doesn’t have to be the case every time. There are conscious steps that you can take to ensure minimal to no weight gain before or after your period.


<div id="how-much-weight-gain-is-normal-during-periods"></div>
<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue">How much weight gain is normal during periods?</h2>

How to prevent weight gain during periods

<br>
If the weight gain during your period worries you, there are a few steps that you can take in order to prevent it during or before your periods. These mostly include general lifestyle and dietary changes:
<br><br>
<div id="keep-up-with-your-routine"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Keep up with your routine exercises</h3>

Unless you are feeling absolutely indisposed to getting out of bed, it is advisable to keep regular exercise up. You can try going for walks, slow jogs and stretching exercises to keep your body active, even if you stay away from very hard-core workout. Having the right sanitary products like [Always Ultra Thin Pads](/sanitary-pads/always-ultra-thin-pads-with-wings) or [Tampax Compaq Tampons](/tampons/always-tampax-compak) can help make exercise more comfortable during periods, helping you sustain a healthy exercise routine. 
<br><br>
<div id="stay-hydrated"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Stay hydrated</h3>

Maintaining the liquid content in your body is a great way of ensuring that you are not constipated, and your body is not retaining excessive fluids. Regular water intake also ensures that you are not binging on food unnecessarily.


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue">How to prevent weight gain during periods?</h2>

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Skip salt

<br>
<div id="skip-salt"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Skip salt</h3 class="bluetext">

Salt can make you feel bloated and hold water in your body. While you may not entirely eliminate salt from your diet, you can try and regulate its intake my skipping processed foods and adding less salt to your meals. 
<br><br>
<div id="add-supplements-to-your-diet"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Add supplements to your diet</h3>

When you are PMS-ing, you can always stay on track with your weight and diet if you add supplements like Vitamin B and magnesium to your diet. They help eliminate symptoms like acidity, bloating and dehydration which contribute towards gradual weight gain. However, it is necessary that you consult with your doctor before you add any of these supplements to your diet. 
<br><br>
<div id="control-your-cravings"></div>
<br>
<h3 class="bluetext">Control your cravings</h3>

It is important to not give in to your cravings every time you have them. Having a small piece of chocolate or bread every once in a while is okay but avoid excessively sweet or starchy foods to avoid any weight gain. 

As you take care of your diet and exercise, the right kind of [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads) and [tampons](/tampons) can be of great help. These can keep you comfortable even during rigorous exercise schedules and help maintain hygiene. [Always Ultra Thin Pads](/sanitary-pads/always-ultra-thin-pads-with-wings ) are a great exercise partner, thanks to their Super Absorbent Core and InstantDry systems that help you feel dry and comfortable for long durations. These pads are also armed with flexible wings, so it stays in place, no matter where you are and what you’re doing.  
<br>
If you are someone who prefers [tampons to pads](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/tampons-vs-pads ), [Always Tampax Cardboard Tampons](/tampons/always-tampax-cardboard) are a great choice as well. These ensure optimal comfort, thanks to their protective skirt that minimizes leakage. The many variants allow you to choose your perfect fit and level of absorbency for maximum comfort.

Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on [Always Period Calculator](/period-calculator).
<br><br>
__Takeaway__
<br><br>
Although some temporary weight gain __can be expected during or before your periods__, you can reduce the adverse effects by taking deliberate steps to keep your weight in check. Also, most of the water weight will get out of your system a few days into or after your period. Simply keep up with regular exercise and eat healthy; your body is more than capable of handling regular symptoms. 

<br>

Wondering [how to induce period](https://always-africa.com/en-za/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/easy-exercises-that-will-help-you-induce-periods)? Discover simple and effective tips to help regulate your cycle.


__FAQs__
<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">1. Why do I weigh more before my period?</h2>  

It is normal to experience __weight gain before period__. Hormonal changes like drop in progesterone, in the body, result in water retention which can make your weight go up right before your period. Usually, this extra weight sheds after the period are over or in the first few days of the period.
<br><br>
<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">2. How much weight gain is normal before a period?</h2>  

Normally, your __period weight gain__ can be anywhere between one to three kilos before or during your period. This weight sheds on its own after the period, provided that it is due to hormonal changes and not because of excessive eating.<br><br>
<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">3. How do I prevent weight gain before period?</h2>  

The best way to prevent __weight gain before or during period__ is by following these steps:
<br>
1.	Keep up with your basic exercise routine like walk or slow jog even if you have to cut back on the intensity
2.	Watch what you eat; do not give into your cravings every time
3.	Take food supplements like Vitamin B and Magnesium after consulting with your doctor that can help you regulate your symptoms like acidity, bloating and dehydration.


Disclaimer card 

__Disclaimer:__

Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers. 


Wondering if you gain weight on your period? Learn all about weight gain during your period, whether its normal, and why it happens. Find out all about your period with Always.

Weight Gain During Periods: Is It Normal & Why It Happens? | Always <Country_Name> 