Ladies ONLY - Do you weigh more on your period?

Yes, I normally gain weight with my period. Anywhere from 3-8 pounds. One month when I was younger I gained 16 lbs of water weight overnight. UGH.

I find that by eating "super healthy" the week before my period not only is water retention weight gain much less but also cramps and flow are less as well.

As for exercising, I try to push through with my regular workout but if I'm having a particularly tired day (usually the first or 2nd day) I honor my body and take it easy.



Note: if I gained 16lbs of water weight EVERY time I'd go see a doctor, but a couple pounds is normal. That's why midol and other "period" meds have a diuretic

So how many pounds should you expect to pack on during your period? We asked Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, to weigh in.

Gerbstadt explained that these are the monthly changes typical of a "regular" cycle:

Related: Yoga Moves for Flat Abs

Menstruation: When your period starts to flow, chances are you feel crampy, bloated, fatigued and moody. On the plus side, when you're actively bleeding, your body is sloughing off the uterine lining and preparing for a fresh cycle. As the days go on, hunger and cravings dissipate, you lose the bloat (and any excess pounds). In fact, you're at the lowest weight of the month right after you stop bleeding. Enjoy it while you can!

Follicular Phase: Whether you're trying to get pregnant or not, the follicular phase is all about fertilization. Your body is working hard to naturally select the perfect egg (at least for this month), and estrogen levels are on the rise. Unfortunately, estrogen and weight gain often go hand in hand. What's more, as the uterine lining gets thicker to welcome a fertilized embryo, you may tack on a little weight as a result (think one-quarter to one-half pound).

Ovulation: As you near ovulation, you may feel more energized and in tune with your body. But you may notice some bloating and fuller breasts, too -- and that equals more weight gain! Some women experience water gain in response to hormones during this time of their cycle.

See Also: Gwyneth Paltrow's Arm and Abs Workout

Luteal Phase: The beginning of this phase is relatively uneventful. Any ovulation-related bloat usually vanishes within a few days. But then, a few days later, the PMS-madness begins. Not only will you feel hungrier (as your body prepares to support a potential pregnancy), but you're also more likely to crave salty, sugary and fatty snacks -- and that can pack on the pounds. In these few days, eating big could add 1 or 2 pounds of fat.

Keep in mind that every woman (and every cycle) is different. If you're taking birth control pills, hormone prescriptions or fertility drugs, some of these weight changes may be magnified (others may be muted). Just take stock of how your body reacts throughout your cycle so you're in tune with what's "normal" for you. And don't sweat a few extra pounds. Chances are, they'll disappear after a few days (no matter where you are in your cycle).

period.

Walking

Even experts against a hardcore workout on your period have to agree that a walk gets you moving without injury or danger. So, put on some sneakers and sunblock, and hit the road. Walking by itself isn't a huge calorie burner, but you will feel good about the fact that you exercised. Don't stress the exact calorie count.

Running

If you're feeling up for a jog, go for it. The endorphins you release during an intesnse cardio workout can help you beat the period ickies that you may be feeling. Hydrate well before, after and during your run, if possible; some researchers say you dehydrate more easily on your period. Whether that's true or not, err on the side of safety and keep drinking.

Yoga

Yoga is very customizable; many poses have options to match your skill level. Inversions aren't recommended during your period, although this has no definitive medical basis. Still, having the option to relax in the goddess position if you're not up for a headstand is nice.

aerobics

Sometimes, when you're on your period, you just want to go a little crazy. Aerobic exercise is the perfect way to let loose. Plus, aerobics classes are typically held in a low-pressure environment where the focus is on fun.

dancing

Shaking it up on the dance floor isn't exercise in the traditional sense, but it will rev your heart rate and burn some calories. This is a great option because it doesn't feel like exercise -- and when you're on your period, you might need a little motivation to get gussied up and feel great about who you are. Stepping out into an evening of dancing and fun will certainly give you that extra oomph and make you feel fabulous.

Planking


When it's that time of the month, all you want to do is stay home and watch Lifetime movies. Make the most of your TV time by holding a plank position during the commercials:
1.Get down on the floor.
2.Put your arms and elbows under your chest.
3.Raise your body using just your forearms and toes, and hold.

This is an intense all-over workout. Start by holding your plank during every other commercial and work up to holding through an entire commercial break.

Working out from home

Pop in an exercise DVD or pull up an on OnDemand workout. You don't need to dress in fancy workout gear, and quitting early won't be embarrassing if you're just doing it in your living room. Only you will know that you sweated to the oldies in your flannel nightie for exactly 14 minutes before sinking back into your couch to watch the Real Housewives reunion. (Nothing makes you feel less hormonal than watching legit crazy people, right?)

Don't use your period as an excuse to forget your fitness routine -- but do listen to your body if you need a break from it. Give some of the above workouts a try.

Yes you retain fluid which weights more. Yes you feel weaker but you should still do as much as you can. I also find that my pain threshold is lower. Exercise helps with cramps too...

Thanx yuh.everyone for your comments it really helped a lot! I was really beginning to think I was gaining weight foe no reason!!

I usually put on 7lbs before my period and then lose it within the first two days. I often take magnesium to help with the fluid retention, and make sure I eat low sodium.

Yeah its completely normal. Just make sure you drink lots of water and modify your salt intake so you don't bloat.

yep I am 3- 5 pounds heavier on my period!

my boobs go huge, im guessing that counts as extra weight haha too bad they disappear a few days later

Yup about 2-3 lbs. I don't weigh myself during that week. Although realistically I know it's my period weight, I don't want to see the scale going the wrong direction.

I'm usually 1-2 lbs. heavier a week before my period comes, and then it disappears once it's done. It sucks.

yes every week- monday in the morning
no matter what

I'm always down during mine. I look forward to it because I know I will lose

im usually 8 lbs up on heavy periods, and about 4lbs up on light ones. but to answer this, yes. always. i dont eat chocolate or that stuff, like most women ^^; or even salty things, i just put on more weight during these times, and i can tell when my period is going to hit about a day before by my weight.
as for pms pains and such, i used to swim...a lot. i was swimming for about an hour every monrning M-F during college. i found it REALLY helped me during that time of the month. i tend to be more frazzled and pissy, as well as the cramps are no fun. so using a tampon during that time was not on my "something i would love to do" list, but you know, the swimming calmed me, and helped immensely with my cramps. i didnt feel as cranky as i usually do when im on my period when i was swimming. ^^ plus the weight loss from swimming so much was a good bonus

Just finished mine and had put on a 1 kilo, was pretty annoyed but logged it anyway. Weighed myself 1 day later and had lost 1.5 kilos! Next time I won't weigh myself during that time and just wait. I can't exercise for 2 days at the beginning but try and look after myself until I can.
You are not alone in this water retention.