How Higher Weight During Menstruation Affects Different Women
Why Does Weight Increase During Menstruation and What Does It Actually Mean?
Have you ever stepped on the scale in the morning to find the number is one or two kilos higher than yesterday, even though you haven't changed your diet or exercise? If this happens regularly every month, it's almost certain that hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle are playing a role. Gaining weight during menstruation is a topic frequently discussed in forums and conversations among women, yet many myths still surround it.
Discussions about “higher weight during menstruation” are often full of questions like: Is it water? Fat? Should I be worried? What can I do about it? The answers aren't always straightforward, but there is scientifically backed information that can explain this phenomenon. And also reassure you—because most of the time, it's nothing to worry about.
How Hormones Affect Body Weight
The menstrual cycle isn't just about menstruation itself. The body goes through several phases that affect not only reproductive functions but also digestion, water retention, mood, and appetite. Two key hormones in this process are estrogen and progesterone.
In the second half of the cycle, after ovulation, progesterone levels rise. This hormone has calming effects but also increases the body's ability to retain water and sodium. As a result, a woman may feel bloated, and this can reflect on the scale with an increase of 0.5 to 2 kilograms. However, it's not fat—it's mostly water and changes in digestion that lead to this temporary weight gain.
Additionally, many women report experiencing increased appetite—especially for sweet or salty foods—before or during menstruation. This is also hormonally driven. Estrogen, which suppresses appetite during the first half of the cycle, decreases, while progesterone promotes appetite. Thus, one might eat more than usual, which can also reflect on the scale—though only temporarily.
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Women's Discussions
Looking at online forums or social media, it's clear that higher weight during menstruation isn't an isolated occurrence—quite the opposite. Girls and women across age groups share experiences showing that weight fluctuation is a common part of the cycle.
For instance, in one of the most commented discussions on the Czech forum Žena-in, readers agree that they regularly gain weight during PMS (premenstrual syndrome). They most commonly report an increase of 1 to 2 kilograms, which disappears after menstruation.
One participant, Jana (35), writes: “Every month, I feel like I'm bloated like a balloon. On the scale, it adds maybe a kilo and a half, but I know it's just water. It used to stress me out, but now I don't worry about it."
It's the stress about weight fluctuations that can be problematic—especially for women trying to lose weight or maintain a stable weight. It's important to realize that cyclical changes are not a breach of regimen or failure—they are a natural part of female physiology.
What's Actually Happening in the Body?
For better understanding, let's consider a practical example. Petra (29) decided to track her weight daily for three months to see how her cycle affects her body weight. She noted that between the 25th and 28th day of her cycle, her weight regularly increased by 1.2 kg, accompanied by bloating, tender breasts, and increased appetite. Once menstruation began, her weight dropped back to its original value within two days.
The explanation for this short-term increase can be several factors:
- Water retention: Hormonal changes cause the body to "hold" more fluids.
- Digestive changes: Slower peristalsis can lead to feelings of fullness and constipation.
- Increased intake of salt and sugar: Cravings for certain foods can lead to higher sodium intake, further supporting water retention.
- Less physical activity: Fatigue or pain can lead to reduced movement, which can also affect metabolism.
What to Do About It—and Is There Any Need to Worry?
First, it's important to mention that short-term weight fluctuation up to 2 kilograms during the menstrual cycle is completely normal. If the weight returns to its usual value after a few days, there's no need to make any significant changes.
But what if the weight increase doesn't return? In such cases, it might be helpful to monitor other aspects as well—diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress. Sometimes, menstruation can mask real weight gain that isn't just temporary. In such cases, keeping a menstrual and nutritional diary—and possibly consulting a nutritionist or gynecologist—can be beneficial.
When you feel bloated, lacking energy, or irritable during menstruation, it's nothing unusual—but fortunately, there are gentle ways to get some relief. Light exercise like a walk or yoga, staying hydrated (yes, it really works against water retention!), and avoiding salty and processed foods can help. Many women also find herbal teas like mint, chamomile, or alchemilla soothing, and as a bonus, you can try magnesium or vitamin B6, which often help manage those uncomfortable premenstrual days a bit better.
Scientific Studies Support Women's Experiences
According to a study published in the Journal of Women's Health, up to 92% of women report experiencing physical or emotional changes during the menstrual cycle, with bloating being one of the most common symptoms. The same study confirms that weight gain associated with the cycle is most often due to fluid retention and hormonal fluctuations, not fat storage.
Interestingly, women who exercise regularly and have a balanced diet often report less weight fluctuation than those with a sedentary lifestyle. But even here, it's true that every body reacts differently, and there is no universal recipe.
As the well-known quote by gynecologist Christiane Northrup goes: “A woman's body is not dysfunctional—it's cyclical." And it's in this cycle that we should seek answers to questions that sometimes unnecessarily stress us.
So next time you see a higher number on the scale than you'd like, try looking at the calendar instead of panicking. It might just be your body doing exactly what it's supposed to do. And there's nothing wrong with that—on the contrary, it's a reminder of how wonderfully complex and intelligent the female body is.
