Here's what swelling, puffiness and weight gain before your period could mean.
Before your period, you might notice your jeans are a little bit tighter or the scale is reading 5 lbs heavier. And you’re thinking, “What gives?!”
This post is definitely not meant to alarm you, but to explain the pre-period symptoms of puffiness and swelling I get so many questions about.
It all comes down to water retention. Let me explain.
The time period after ovulation and before menstruation is called the luteal phase. In this phase, we have decently high levels of estrogen and progesterone. The caveat here is that progesterone is supposed to be the dominant hormone.
What this has to do with bloating <insert downward finger>
Progesterone is a diuretic, meaning it promotes the excretion of water.
Estrogen is an antidiuretic, meaning it promotes the retention of water.
When there is an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, there can be imbalances in water excretion and retention. Specifically, when there is too much estrogen in relation to progesterone, we tend to retain more water.
Another possibility? Our metabolism is increased during our luteal phase, which means we have a higher need for minerals. If we don’t replenish properly, the body will try to hold onto them, causing water retention.
A great way to tackle this issue is to create awareness around your cycle to properly nourish and move in the different phases. I created a free guide loaded with tips. You can download this freebie via the link in my bio!
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Dalton, K. (1999). Once a Month. Hunter House Inc., Publishers: Alameda, CA.
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