Menstrual Weight gain/loss

HelenUK260387
HelenUK260387 Posts: 3 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey, I started using MFP about 2 weeks ago. When I first started using it I was 166lbs and a week later showing at 158lbs. I was really delighted with that.
However yesterday I was feeling panicked so I got on the scales and it showed another 2kgs lighter so I was really pleased but I pay attention to the weight on Sundays - today it was back to 158lbs.
I've been doing a little research on menstrual fluid retention and I'm wondering if the weight loss was really just fluid disappearing? My period started on the Saturday and the weight loss showed on the Sunday.
I'm feeling really discouraged right now and like I'll never lose weight! The scales I have seemed to be undecided at somewhere between 71 and 72kgs but they showed mostly at 72 so I thought I'd better go with that.
Does anyone have any help/advice?

Thanks,
Helen :-)

Replies

  • lovelyrose11
    lovelyrose11 Posts: 609 Member
    First of all congrats on your success so far! Don't get discouraged all women tend to fluctuate around the time of thier menstrual cycle. This is natural. Some women gain a bunch of water weight while some others even lose a few pounds (I am on of the latter). Try not to get yourself to psyched out over it.
  • TimeWarp9
    TimeWarp9 Posts: 91
    Ditto to the above. My absolute worst time to weigh in is the day or two before I start, and the best day is the day after I finish! It is a lot of water retention and then loss. Also, the NSAIDs I take for cramps causing some minor stomach upset which results in even more (ahem) elimination than usual. You will notice these fluctuations now that you're monitoring. It is normal! If possible, you can try to reduce the amount of sodium you eat during that time but I always have trouble with that since salt is what I crave when I'm on...
  • HelenUK260387
    HelenUK260387 Posts: 3 Member
    The problem that I'm having is that my period finished 5 days ago. Yesterday showed a loss but today it's exactly the same
    as it was last week. I feel like I'll stay at this weight forever, no matter what I do!
  • TimeWarp9
    TimeWarp9 Posts: 91
    Don't stress over things not moving in a day! You may want to limit your weigh-ins to once a week. No matter where in your cycle, your body is going to have fluctuations - it will even change from hour to hour! Weigh in consistently at the same time of day and you will have a more accurate reading. Also remember that sodium intake, proper (or not) hydration and all types of things will cause things to change a little. What you are aiming for is a downward trend - it won't go down every time.
  • HelenUK260387
    HelenUK260387 Posts: 3 Member
    I know you're right am just concerned that after only2 weeks there should have been a loss today. Hopefully next Sunday morning will be better :-) x
  • Gwen_B
    Gwen_B Posts: 1,018 Member
    I am amazed this topic didn't come up sooner! I want to know are we ever so fit we don't bloat during this time?
  • kimosabe1
    kimosabe1 Posts: 2,467 Member
    I never weigh myself on it. Usually I am 5-7 pounds heavier...the day after I get off is the appropriate time.....
  • BehindBlueEyes988
    BehindBlueEyes988 Posts: 433
    I've read in multiple health magazines to not even weight yourself on that week. You can gain 5 lbs or more in just a week from water weight alone that will fall right off after. So don't fret, it'll come off again shortly
  • geojeepgirl
    geojeepgirl Posts: 243 Member
    Bump....need to keep reading...need to keep my motivation up right now.
  • P05T5CRIPT
    P05T5CRIPT Posts: 285 Member
    I never weigh myself on it. Usually I am 5-7 pounds heavier...the day after I get off is the appropriate time.....

    Same here, it just makes me depressed to see a big gain during it. A day or two after is the time to check your weight :smile:
  • jharb2
    jharb2 Posts: 208 Member
    I also gain the week I ovulate in addition to the week before my period. It doesn't come off ntil a few days into my period. So there's actually only about a week that I am 'dry weight'. So that's the weight I count. My weight goes up and down constandtly by 1-3lbs..
  • kirstyfairhead
    kirstyfairhead Posts: 220 Member
    If I'm reading this right you lost 8lbs in your first week but are technically showing no loss in your second and you've had a cycle during that time.

    Don't worry, you are stressing over nothing, honest!!

    An 8lb drop in a week is massive and a week without loss is nothing unusual, especially around a cycle, some people lose slow and steady and others in fits and starts, you aren't going to be able to judge weight loss in such a short period of time.

    The important thing is to stay motivated and not let one week knock you back too hard. Remember healthy weight loss is 1lb a week so you got 8 weeks worth under your belt already ;-).

    Good luck and keep smiling!
  • Tzippy7
    Tzippy7 Posts: 344 Member
    for me the weight is only 1 or 2 lbs but i literally have to wear leggings the entire week before my period because of bloat.
  • SylarsMom
    SylarsMom Posts: 19 Member
    I never weigh myself on it. Usually I am 5-7 pounds heavier...the day after I get off is the appropriate time.....

    I was amazed that I gained 5 pounds the day I started and I gradually lost until I finished. Now I'm back to the pre-menstrual weight. It was crazy!! I do not plan to weigh while on anymore. It's too discouraging.

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