FEMALES ONLY: That time of the month

Hey ladies,

I just wanted to see how that time of the month affects the MFP community. I never feel like eating during this week and I'm always tired. What are your symptoms?

Also I know we're not supposed to weigh in during this week due to water retention and etc, but I was wondering how true this is!
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Replies

  • MelanieCN77
    MelanieCN77 Posts: 4,047 Member
    I'd absolutely weigh in as usual, to build your awareness of your patterns. I'm personally hungrier around ovulation than the main event.
  • ladybug4233
    ladybug4233 Posts: 217 Member
    I am very hungry a few days before and I sometimes weigh a little more and yes I am tired. I still weigh myself.
  • xelsoo
    xelsoo Posts: 194 Member
    I will weigh in but knowing that it will usually go up a few (or more than a few) pounds, which will be back to normal afterwards.

    My workouts are pretty much the same but I will occasionally feel more tired. If this is the case, I don't push myself.

    As for my appetite, I few days before I start getting hungrier and craving sweets. I try to bake some healthy, filling and low-sugar treats in anticipation so I can satisfy my cravings within my daily intake.
  • almostanxious
    almostanxious Posts: 21 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Your metabolism isn't going to suffer if you eat less due to poor appetite for a few days a month.
  • fitoverfortymom
    fitoverfortymom Posts: 3,452 Member
    I get wicked hungry about 3-4 out from TOM and crazy-*kitten* carb cravings. Sometimes I win at keeping it in check, and sometimes I don't. It does eventually pass, though, and I get back to tracking at a deficit. Over time, it all smooths out.
  • Meghanebk
    Meghanebk Posts: 321 Member
    edited April 2018
    I crave salty foods and extra carbs. So I eat them! In moderation. My weight swings a pound or two a few days beforehand. I still get on the scale, it reminds me to keep tracking. The weight changes don't bother me since I expect them.
  • almostanxious
    almostanxious Posts: 21 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?
  • almostanxious
    almostanxious Posts: 21 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?

    Normally or specifically during this week?
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    edited April 2018
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?

    Normally or specifically during this week?

    Both. I am hesitant to tell someone to eat more if they are currently eyeballing portions and/or not logging.
  • amfmmama
    amfmmama Posts: 1,420 Member
    The week before, I want to eat everything in sight! During, I am exhausted. My weightloss usually stalls and I consider any loss, or even remaining the same, a victory.
  • almostanxious
    almostanxious Posts: 21 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?

    Normally or specifically during this week?

    Both.

    Normally yes, I sometimes slip on packaged foods and per measured servings, but when I cook at home I almost always break out my scale. During my cycle, not so much. I tend to eat so little and so sporadically I hardly ever think about it. For this cycle, I have meal planned and intent to follow through with cooking and trying to eat as I would normally, but we'll see how that works out.
  • Running_and_Coffee
    Running_and_Coffee Posts: 811 Member
    I do gain around 2 lbs the week of, but am not "bloated." (I also am at my lightest the week afterwards, when I am in maintenance.) I used to notice an increased appetite, but actually think it's more being in a bad mood and seeking comfort foods. Other than that, not much. It was all worse when I was younger.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    edited April 2018
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?

    Normally or specifically during this week?

    Both.

    Normally yes, I sometimes slip on packaged foods and per measured servings, but when I cook at home I almost always break out my scale. During my cycle, not so much. I tend to eat so little and so sporadically I hardly ever think about it. For this cycle, I have meal planned and intent to follow through with cooking and trying to eat as I would normally, but we'll see how that works out.

    Are we talking 3-5 days where your appetite is so low that you can only eat about 400 calories a day?

    Assuming you have discussed this with your doctor and they're not concerned, if my only issue was lack of appetite for 3-5 days a month, I think I would just increase my calories either immediately before or after my period so that I was averaging (for the rolling week) my calorie goal.

    (Note: This is based on the assumption that logging is generally accurate)
  • almostanxious
    almostanxious Posts: 21 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?

    Normally or specifically during this week?

    Both.

    Normally yes, I sometimes slip on packaged foods and per measured servings, but when I cook at home I almost always break out my scale. During my cycle, not so much. I tend to eat so little and so sporadically I hardly ever think about it. For this cycle, I have meal planned and intent to follow through with cooking and trying to eat as I would normally, but we'll see how that works out.

    Are we talking 3-5 days where your appetite is so low that you can only eat about 400 calories a day?

    Assuming you have discussed this with your doctor and they're not concerned, if my only issue was lack of appetite for 3-5 days a month, I think I would just increase my calories either immediately before or after my period so that I was averaging (for the rolling week) my calorie goal.

    (Note: This is based on the assumption that logging is generally accurate)

    I have discussed it with my doctor and we both concur that my cramps are generally so bad that I feel nauseated and avoid foods, similar to having a stomach flu. She has advised me to try eat light food like celery and cucumbers and things that are easy on the stomach, but that will keep me hydrated. The only thing is, most of these are very low calorie and don't provide a high running total of calories per day. She doesn't seem to be too worried about it overall as my cycles tend to be short, but I am often left feeling extremely exhausted for a few days after.
  • endermako
    endermako Posts: 785 Member
    I still weigh in daily because I use a trend app on my phone. I'm up about 2.8 lbs as of today due to TOM and harder strength training. Today is day 1 of TOM too and I'm going to have to do cardio with cramps ugh. I personally do not see any appetite changes through. I still eat around the same but have increased my calories by about 150 for harder exercise.
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    I weigh every day. During TOM my weight spikes up by 3lbs, it can take it 7 days to settle back down. It was the same when I was losing, a similar fluctuation. I get why some might stay away from the scales but I prefer to track patterns.

  • almostanxious
    almostanxious Posts: 21 Member
    edited April 2018
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?

    Normally or specifically during this week?

    Both. I am hesitant to tell someone to eat more if they are currently eyeballing portions and/or not logging.

    Oh I see what you are meaning now...I log everything that goes into my mouth. If it's prepackaged I rely on the packaging which can be a bit iffy at times, but otherwise things like lunch meat, veggies, and meat I prepare I'm normally very good at weighing out

    EDITED: This is why I'm typically worried about not eating enough
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    edited April 2018
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?

    Normally or specifically during this week?

    Both.

    Normally yes, I sometimes slip on packaged foods and per measured servings, but when I cook at home I almost always break out my scale. During my cycle, not so much. I tend to eat so little and so sporadically I hardly ever think about it. For this cycle, I have meal planned and intent to follow through with cooking and trying to eat as I would normally, but we'll see how that works out.

    Are we talking 3-5 days where your appetite is so low that you can only eat about 400 calories a day?

    Assuming you have discussed this with your doctor and they're not concerned, if my only issue was lack of appetite for 3-5 days a month, I think I would just increase my calories either immediately before or after my period so that I was averaging (for the rolling week) my calorie goal.

    (Note: This is based on the assumption that logging is generally accurate)

    I have discussed it with my doctor and we both concur that my cramps are generally so bad that I feel nauseated and avoid foods, similar to having a stomach flu. She has advised me to try eat light food like celery and cucumbers and things that are easy on the stomach, but that will keep me hydrated. The only thing is, most of these are very low calorie and don't provide a high running total of calories per day. She doesn't seem to be too worried about it overall as my cycles tend to be short, but I am often left feeling extremely exhausted for a few days after.

    My situation isn't as extreme as yours, but I have many months where my cramps are bad enough to suppress my appetite too. Do things like toast or plain potatoes sit well on your stomach? I find that I can tolerate these well -- anything that is kind of bland and starchy. It's higher in calories than vegetables like celery and cucumber. Brothy soups often work well for me too.

    Even if you're lower some days, it is the general trend that matters. Are you losing weight more rapidly than you expect overall? If not, things are probably fine and you can focus on just staying hydrated and eating what you can on the days when the pain is bad.
  • Katzedernacht
    Katzedernacht Posts: 266 Member
    Heyo, didn't read all the replies cos I'm working lol

    I do weigh myself cos I write it down and I can learn about the average fluctuation on weight during a month.
    On the first day I feel a bit less energetic and will definitely not train legs, but other than that, I feel pretty much the same, just a bit greasier on the face boooo

    I eat pretty much the same as well
  • almostanxious
    almostanxious Posts: 21 Member
    Any advice on making myself eat during my cycle? I'm NEVER hungry, but I know my metabolism will suffer if I don't eat something

    Not really. Unless you are starving - like concentration camp starving - you can't affect your metabolism much.

    Are you tracking your calories, using a food scale and logging everything? How much are you eating during your cycle? How much are you eating the other three weeks?

    I usually eat 1,399 calories a day the rest of the three weeks, but during my cycle I have caught myself eating as few as 400 calories a day for two days in a row. I never want to eat anything

    I hate to belabor a point, but do you use a food scale to weigh and log everything?

    Normally or specifically during this week?

    Both.

    Normally yes, I sometimes slip on packaged foods and per measured servings, but when I cook at home I almost always break out my scale. During my cycle, not so much. I tend to eat so little and so sporadically I hardly ever think about it. For this cycle, I have meal planned and intent to follow through with cooking and trying to eat as I would normally, but we'll see how that works out.

    Are we talking 3-5 days where your appetite is so low that you can only eat about 400 calories a day?

    Assuming you have discussed this with your doctor and they're not concerned, if my only issue was lack of appetite for 3-5 days a month, I think I would just increase my calories either immediately before or after my period so that I was averaging (for the rolling week) my calorie goal.

    (Note: This is based on the assumption that logging is generally accurate)

    I have discussed it with my doctor and we both concur that my cramps are generally so bad that I feel nauseated and avoid foods, similar to having a stomach flu. She has advised me to try eat light food like celery and cucumbers and things that are easy on the stomach, but that will keep me hydrated. The only thing is, most of these are very low calorie and don't provide a high running total of calories per day. She doesn't seem to be too worried about it overall as my cycles tend to be short, but I am often left feeling extremely exhausted for a few days after.

    My situation isn't as extreme as yours, but I have many months where my cramps are bad enough to suppress my appetite too. Do things like toast or plain potatoes sit well on your stomach? I find that I can tolerate these well -- anything that is kind of bland and starchy. It's higher in calories than vegetables like celery and cucumber. Brothy soups often work well for me too.

    Even if you're lower some days, it is the general trend that matters. Are you losing weight more rapidly than you expect overall? If not, things are probably fine and you can focus on just staying hydrated and eating what you can on the days when the pain is bad.

    I've not really tried to eat bread or potatoes. Today I've been trying to eat more fruit than usual. I made toast and a fried egg to put on the toast this morning but ate one bite and can't bring myself to eat anymore. Snacking on blackberries currently. I've planned for Chicken breast Rice and Green beans tonight, but not sure how much I'll eat. I brought light chicken noodle soup for lunch with crackers so hopefully it won't be too heavy on my stomach.
  • lightenup2016
    lightenup2016 Posts: 1,055 Member
    edited April 2018
    I will throw up if I let the cramps get too bad...so I take ibuprofen at the very first twinge, and that takes care of it. Have you tried a pain reliever to deal with the cramps? Maybe it would make you feel well enough to eat more?
  • bbell1985
    bbell1985 Posts: 4,571 Member
    Tired. Cramps so bad I stay up all night literally lying on my hard wood floor screaming for my mom. I'm hungry. Sad. Bloated and fat.

    I hate it. I struggle hard.
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  • 30kgin2017
    30kgin2017 Posts: 228 Member
    My TOM seems to be different from the majority of people on here. I get loose bowels for a day 3-4 days before hand and often a surge in energy the day before. So I am actually lightest the day before it starts. Appetite doesnt seem greatly different though the day it starts I may have an energy slump (or that could just be because I over did it the day before). Having kids actually fixed my cramping issues as well where as I've been told many people find it worse after kids.
  • kelMee2
    kelMee2 Posts: 203 Member
    I feel like there are only 2 weeks in the month my weight drops and then 2 where I stay the same or see a difference of about 200g due to tom. Weighed in this morning during tom and weigh the exact same as last week even though I’ve been under calories the whole week. I know next week will be roughly the same then the week after I’ll get a whoosh and drop about 4lbs. I still weigh in sometimes I wonder why because it can be a bit frustrating knowing you’re doing all the right things but cause you’re a woman you have to wait longer to see the scale move.