Weight loss during mensturation, is it possible?

danielle001988

So although I know I shouldn't, but I have been weighing myself everyday and since yesterday the scales are saying I've lost 3 lbs. I checked about 5 times and still the same reading. Yesterday I came on my period and I'm wondering if this could be something to do with it. I thought mensturation caused weight gain. Could it be that it caused weight gain of pre mensturation with water retention and now it's gone? Doesn't seem possible to lose 3lbs in a day. Think I need to go back to weekly weigh ins but I just can't resist.

kommodevaran

Menstruation doesn't cause weight gain. Hormones cause water retention that shows itself as weight fluctuations. You gain weight if you consistently eat above your maintenance level.

You can weigh yourself as often as you like. In fact, maybe weighing every day will make you more in tune with your fluctuations. Which are normal, by the way.

jemhh

danielle001988 wrote: »

So although I know I shouldn't, but I have been weighing myself everyday and since yesterday the scales are saying I've lost 3 lbs. I checked about 5 times and still the same reading. Yesterday I came on my period and I'm wondering if this could be something to do with it. I thought mensturation caused weight gain. Could it be that it caused weight gain of pre mensturation with water retention and now it's gone? Doesn't seem possible to lose 3lbs in a day. Think I need to go back to weekly weigh ins but I just can't resist.

Yes. This is pretty common. Here's a bit more info:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10359984/women-menstrual-cycle-weight-and-fitness-matters/p1

RoxieDawn

I actually do loose weight (not real fat I might add) on the exact day I start. I am usually down 2 pounds.

edited to say: if you really want to trend your weight, use the scale (ONCE) a day, at the same time, naked and after morning bathroom and mark your weight. Use something like weightgrapher.com or an app you might like better.

It is totally normal and should be considered that our weight will go up and down daily. All of us should know that water retention etc.. are due to daily fluctuations that occur from female hormone (weight gain and loss) during both times we will see this (mensus and ovulation), sodium intake, carb intake, muscle recovery, hydration or lack there of, etc..

Vegplotter

There is nothing wrong with weighing yourself daily. I'd make a note of the start day of your period each month. We are all different, but menstruation will effect your weight in some way. So it's good to be curious and find out by observation and recording how your weight and in fact your whole body responds.
The hippocampus is the part of your brain that manages metabolism as well as circadian rhythms. So the hormones that manage your diet are triggered by the same part of the brain that triggers your period.
Fundamental emotions like love and hate, fear and anger are also seated there). That's why diets and menstruation can sometimes get us down.
Good luck, sounds as if you are doing well!

cecsav1

Personally, I lose when I start my period, but I gain during the week of ovulation. Definitely read the link above. Good info there

rnnzo

A good rule is not to weigh yourself when you're on your period. Whether you gain loose or stay the same it's usually just not reliable

dragon_girl26

I don't see any problems with weighing daily, as long as you aren't one who will flip out over every small fluctuation, especially during TOM. I weigh daily, though I'll admit I'm lax about it during TOM because I know it's going to be heavier anyway. No big deal.

MissusMoon

cecsav1 wrote: »

Personally, I lose when I start my period, but I gain during the week of ovulation. Definitely read the link above. Good info there

Same here.

kgirlhart

Why shouldn't you weigh yourself every day? Lots of people do. It can help you to see and understand the normal fluctuations you will have. If you want to weigh daily get a weight trending app like Libra (android) or Happy Scale (ios) and then you can see if your weight is trending up or down. Some women retain water during their periods, but not all do. For me I am more l likely to retain at ovulation not during my period.

Lounmoun

You can figure out what is normal for you if you keep weighing yourself before, during and after your period.

I normally retain water which means the scale stays the same for a week or goes up 1 lb and then it goes away the next week.

Machka9

First, I weigh every day ... I have done for over 30 years. Watching the fluctuations is interesting and helps people know their bodies better.

Secondly, when I'm heavier, I tend to gain weight before my periods. But when I'm lighter, it's a toss up whether I'm going to gain, maintain, or lose. Probably largely diet-based.

kshama2001

I gain at ovulation and premenstrually. Because of this (and because Lyle McDonald said to) I weigh myself daily but compare myself to last month, not last week.