Gaining and losing weight is very common if you are a woman and is usually closely related to the menstrual cycle. This is due to the numerous hormonal changes that women experience during their period, which is why, when menstruation is approaching, you can gain up to 3 kilos, even if you try to do a special diet.
Although you cannot do many things to avoid gaining weight before or during menstruation, you can avoid gaining excess weight with a balanced diet. Many women do not know about this, so if you are one of those who wonder, does menstruation make you fat? At FastlyHealwe want to offer you some explanations.
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Menstrual cycle
Generally, your menstrual cycle can last between 23 and 35 days. This cycle is divided into different phases. The first is called the menstrual phase and begins the day the bleeding appears. This is when you usually experience more discomfort, mainly headaches, tummy, or waist, during the first two days of the seven that your period could last. In this part, you may also experience fluid retention or weight gain for no apparent reason.
The second is the follicular phase, although it is also called preovulation or proliferative. The activities characterize this stage are carried out by a hormone called estrogen, which makes the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus, grow and thicker. In this phase, the ovum matures.
Although every woman is different, it is usually possible for ovulation to begin on day 14. This phase appears at the moment that the levels of estrogens in your body increase and the hormone is known as lutropin is responsible for triggering the period. This is when your most mature egg leaves the ovary and is trapped by the ends of the fallopian tube.
Finally, the luteal phase, also known as postovulation and secretory, usually lasts from day 16 to 28 and is when your next period appears. This period can also cause a few extra pounds.
Why do I feel like eating sweets during my period?
Many women feel an almost uncontrollable urge to consume sweet foods during their period. This is because your body has a low estrogen level when you meet your period. This way, it can make you feel the uncontrolled urge to eat things with sugar.
A little chocolate can be good since it generates endorphins, the hormone responsible for making us feel good. However, consuming large amounts of heavy foods or foods with a lot of refined sugar can cause a great stomach upset due to heavy digestion and, in this way, worsen the bloating available during menstruation. This is one of the possible causes of gaining menstruation.
What is advisable to eat during menstruation?
Although it does not change the fact that you bloat during menstruation and gain a few kilos, different foods can help not make the situation worse, such as:
- Lettuce is rich in potassium, so it has an excellent diuretic effect, so it is recommended that you eat a salad before each meal.
- Pineapple: it notably helps you to absorb proteins. In this way, you prevent constipation or its symptoms, such as gas.
- Spinach and lentils: because they are rich in iron, they can also help improve menstrual swelling.
- Fish: for example, salmon or tuna, which are an ideal source of Omega 3, can be beneficial on those days of your period since it relaxes the muscles of your entire body.
- Bananas: improves bowel movement, which is usually very irregular during menstruation thanks to its high potassium and vitamin B6 content.
- Water: consuming large amounts of water also helps you reduce swelling because it allows you to lose fluid.
Other tips for coping with weight gain
Although, as we already said, there is not much you can do to avoid this weight gain during menstruation, there are different options that you could implement not to gain too many kilos. For instance:
- Don’t drink coffee or stimulating drinks.
- Do not eat fried foods rich in fat.
- Try to use a little salt in your meals.
- Get exercise, especially when you need to move your legs, like riding a bike.
- Rest your feet and legs, where fluids accumulate the most.
- Do not consume large amounts of carbohydrates.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Does menstruation, make you fat? We recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.