Notes

For now, let’s briefly address how a woman's menstrual cycle can affect water retention. We’ll go into more detail in a later section but for now, here’s the basic. In fact, for you ladies, if you've ever taken the time to measure your waistline during ‘that time of the month’, you may notice that your belly or your waistline may have increased by much as 2 to 3 inches – sometimes more!


How the menstrual cycle affects water retention

The menstrual cycle can have a big impact on water retention, bloating, your waist measurement, and the numbers on the scale. How does this happen?

Hormonal changes play a big role in pre-menstrual water retention, giving you that heavy, bloated, and puffy feeling low down in your abdomen before you get your period. Doctors aren't exactly sure what causes the water retention during the menstrual cycle, but are positive that hormones have something to do with it. It may also be hereditary. Your diet may also contribute to that water weight gain. Too many salt, not enough vitamins, and other imbalances in your metabolism or food intake can also contribute to ‘the monthly bloat’.

Bloating is commonly experienced by many women several days prior to onset of menstruation as well as during it. In most cases this is caused by gas accumulation in the intestines, which causes distension or that puffiness that makes your stomach stick out farther than it usually does. Prior to and during menstruation, the body also tends to hang onto more water than normal.

The bottom line is to always remember that water retention tends to follow salt intake, or too much sodium in the body. Bloating also causes other side effects including a feeling of weariness or sluggishness, not to mention the frustration of trying to fit into your favorite pair of jeans. Bloating may be caused because your body isn't getting enough vitamins and minerals at this important time of the month. Always remember that your body must receive the nutrients it needs for optimal function. Still, you may find comfort in the fact that nearly 85% of women having their periods can and do experience bloating. Drinking adequate intake of fluids, cutting back on sodium, and exercise can help relieve this.