Menstrating and Weight loss - effect?

AprilSchulte10

Hi. Im new to this losing weight thing and I was wondering how being on my period will effect my weight loss? Do you usally lose less that week? Hold more water? Just looking for some general knowledge.

obrientp

I usually gain 1-2 lbs of water water that week, but it comes right off as soon as my period ends. I know this will happen every time, so I don't get freaked out by it.

22workout

I forgot where I read this, But the article says if you exercise while on your period after its done you lose double the weight.
I never tried it out but mine is coming soon and I will test that and keep you updated.

AprilSchulte10

Thanks ladies

My period just started and my weigh in day is today. I only lost 1/2 a lb this week but like I said my period started today also. So hopefully this time next week i'll have lost more than 1/2 a lb.

AleciaG724

Just had my first one since starting to lose and I felt incredibly bloated, and ate more than I had been. I gave in to cravings a little, but tried to keep it under control and still logged everything. I didn't even know I had cravings before because I just ate whatever and whenever I wanted. It's great to be more aware and accountable now. :-)

lcfairbairn74

Hi there!

I personally retain water the week before it's due and lose the water weight once it starts. I can retain up to 3 pounds of water! It is only temporary though, and it all evens out in the long run :ohwell:

rachelprogress

I've been tracking on MFP for about 3 cycles now, and I've become so aware of my eating habits and cravings that I actually can tell within a day when I'm going to get my period based on food alone, not looking at the calendar. That's something I could never do before.

I have lost 17 lbs and exercise 4-6 days a week of 5K fast runs and 2-3 days of heavy lifting, I barely have any of the nasty PMS symptoms I used to get. I am on the Nuvaring, but I still used to get a lot more bloating, moodiness, and junk food cravings. I definitely think my tendency to retain water during that week is also reduced, as long as I stick to my gym routine. I feel like the constant exercise dampens those PMS effects... I wish I'd known sooner about this bonus benefit to getting fit!

AmyRhubarb

I forgot where I read this, But the article says if you exercise while on your period after its done you lose double the weight.
I never tried it out but mine is coming soon and I will test that and keep you updated.

Just logged my 630th day on MFP, have always exercised right through while on my period, never noticed losing "double the weight" during or after.

Yes, most of do gain during that time of the month, some a week before, some a few days before, some just during. Bloating is common, and fluctuating hormones, as well as a possible change in what we eat duo those pesky cravings, can cause more water retention and reflect on the scale. I always go up anywhere from 3-5lbs that week no matter what I do.

Exercise & eating well seems to have helped with the discomfort to a certain extent, and I don't seem to get the crazy cravings I used have, either. :drinker: The few pounds that tag along during the week always drop off again within a few days of TOM hitting the road, so no stress there.

This too shall pass! Until next month, anyway.

mgmlap

I am so glad I only have to worry about this every 3 months...thanks to PCOS and having to be on the Pill. I do gain about 2 pounds of water weight during that time..but like AmyRhubarb..I dont lose twice the weight..

shadow2soul

I gain anywhere from 1-4lbs right around my period (water weight...dang hormones) and when it's over the water weight comes back off along with a 1lb or 2. So for me, my period actually seems to mask my weight loss for a bit. It's all good though.

whierd

Your period will typically cause you to retain water, have cramps, and crave certain foods.

AprilSchulte10

The biggest thing I've noticed so far is that I am less thirsty. It feels like a chore to drink my 8 glasses of water.. I've pushed myself through 2 today.

Francl27

So far I've lost 7lbs around my period, every time. Except this time, but it just started, so who knows...

Amy_Andrews

I just looked at my weight loss chart for the last 3 months and each month I notice a small little plateua that last 3-4 days. Yep, that's my period plateau. Now that I know it exists, I don't get frustrated when my TOM comes cause I know how it affects me. I'm still losing at a great rate, just not those 4 days every month

JDBLY11

Hi. Im new to this losing weight thing and I was wondering how being on my period will effect my weight loss? Do you usally lose less that week? Hold more water? Just looking for some general knowledge.

I am the odd one in the bunch but I don't notice any difference with my period. My weight loss and weight does not change at all before I start or when I am on it.

Lindseyelizabeth87

I think everyone is effected by it differently. My best friend always goes down about 5lbs every time she is having her period.

What you can do, is now that you are watching your weight and diet closely, is keep track for your own records and know your own body. I don't think any of us will have the right answer for you.

The only thing I can say for sure is, don't let your period be an excuse to eat poorly and be lazy. I try to ignore mine entirely, go about everything the exact same and eat the same. No saying "I ate that box of oreos because of PMS."!

carchie94

I watch what I eat more—mostly because I don't feel like eating. And I exercise more—because exercise makes me feel better, even if I feel anemic.

I still retain water. And I hate taking things with diuretics in them. Water retention for the few days before/after is usually 4-5lb. It's annoying as hell, but *sigh* we deal...