Why Does Weight Increase During Menstruation? Here's the Cause and How to Overcome It

Why does weight gain during menstruation (Image cookie_studio-Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Many women find it difficult to gain weight suddenly before or during menstruation. This condition often makes them anxious, especially for those who are maintaining a diet or undergoing a diet program. In fact, weight gain during menstruation is quite common and usually only temporary.

Then, why does weight increase during menstruation? The answer is not always because fat increases. In many cases, this condition is influenced by hormonal changes, fluid retention, changes in appetite, to decreased physical activity during menstruation.

Why Does Weight Increase During Menstruation? Changes in Hormones during Menstruation

One of the main reasons why weight increases during menstruation is the change in estrogen and progesterone hormones. Before menstruation, the levels of these two hormones rise and fall naturally. Fluctuations in hormones can make the body hold more fluid.

As a result, the body feels heavier, the stomach appears to be enlarged, and the hands or feet sometimes feel a little swollen. This is what is called fluid retention. So, weight gain during menstruation is generally not due to fat accumulation, but due to water that is retained in the body.

Fluid Retention Makes the Scales Go Up

Fluid retention is a condition when the body stores more water than usual. During menstruation, this is very common. That's why many women feel their bodies are more "full" even though their diet hasn't changed drastically.

Weight gain due to fluid retention usually ranges from 1 to 3 kilograms. However, this weight tends to go back down after menstruation is over. So, if you ask why your weight goes up during menstruation, one of the most common answers is because the body is temporarily holding fluid.

Appetite tends to increase

In addition to hormones, changes in appetite also play a big role. Before menstruation, the body often wants sweet, savory, or high-carb foods. This happens because hormonal changes also affect mood and serotonin levels, which are chemicals in the brain that are associated with feeling comfortable.

As a result, the desire to snack increases. If the food consumed is high in sugar, salt, and calories, weight can seem to rise faster. Salty foods can also worsen fluid retention, so the body feels heavier during menstruation.

Physical Activity Can Decrease

During menstruation, many women feel uncomfortable to move actively. Abdominal pain, cramps, back pain, body weakness, or mood changes make daily activities decrease. In this condition, the body burns less energy than usual days.

Although the decrease is not always large, the combination of eating more and moving less can make weight go up temporarily. Therefore, when discussing why weight increases during menstruation, it is also important to look at the activity pattern during menstruation.

Digestive Disorders Also Affect

Not a few women experience digestive disorders during menstruation, such as bloating, constipation, or a full feeling in the stomach. Constipation can make the contents of the digestive tract stay longer, so that the weight feels heavier.

A bloated stomach also often makes the body feel bigger than usual. Although not always realized, this digestive factor is often an additional reason why weight increases during menstruation.

Is this condition normal?

Yes, this condition is normal as long as the increase is not excessive and only occurs temporarily. Weight usually goes down a few days after menstruation is over. When hormones start to stabilize, body fluids gradually balance and bloating is reduced.

Therefore, weighing yourself every day during menstruation often does not give a true picture. It's better to monitor your weight at the same time each month, for example a few days after menstruation is over.

How to Overcome Weight Gain During Menstruation

There are several simple ways that can help the body stay comfortable during menstruation. Drinking enough water is very important to help reduce fluid retention. In addition, limit foods high in salt, instant foods, and excessive sweet snacks.

Try to keep moving lightly such as walking, yoga, or stretching so that the body does not feel too heavy. Adequate sleep also helps stabilize appetite and keep the body in good shape.

So, why does weight increase during menstruation? The main cause is hormonal changes, fluid retention, increased appetite, decreased physical activity, and digestive disorders. This increase is generally only temporary and will return to normal after menstruation is over.

This means that you don't need to panic too much when you see the scale numbers go up during menstruation. The most important thing is to keep maintaining a healthy lifestyle and understand that the body does experience natural changes every month.

So after knowing why weight increases during menstruation, check out other interesting news at VOI.ID, it's time to revolutionize the news!