TOM (that time month) UGH!!!!! HELP!

My cycle affects my weight quite a bit. I gain 2-3lbs during ovulation, and they stick around until TOM gets here (around 2 weeks). That usually causes another 2ish lb gain which sticks around for about 4 days after it starts. Then the scale drops back down. Sometimes it drops by 2-3lbs overnight, and other times it's slower depending on how much sodium I had (another can or worms!).

Lots of water and staying active helps, but there's only so much you can do.

The joys of being a woman...:grumble:

Dont weight yourself during TOM is my advice cause you can gain 1 - 6 pounds in water. Try and eat as properly as you can but allow yourself what you need and WANT too. It isnt true weight gain cause after your done it will go away. Drink more water to help with it too

I gain 3-5 pounds during my TOM, but it goes away after a week or so. So when it happens, I don't stress out over it any more. I know it's just bloat. Don't let it get to your head!!!

Since we are all on this topic...I hate going to the gym during this time cuz well it's gross and i worry about "mishaps". AND how do you not give into the craving? I'm new to MFP and this has been an on going issue with me. 1st day is always the worst and the last thing i want to consider is going to the gym.

My weight and bloating starts at ovulation but I know its water weight and I dont realy let it bother me. Just keeeeep goin.... And then soak in the time when my period is done and im not bloated anymore and the scale makes real movement.

Pachiri-as most of us all know and understand, losing weight is NOT EASY. Going all the way might be the hardest thing you ever do. So sometimes you have to just pick yourself up amd go to the gym without thinking about it. Just do it, push yourself and you will love the rewards. And yeah, sometimes doing anything on your period feels gross but you should be fine if you go to the bathroom right before your workout and make sure you wear a pantyliner. As far as the cravings go, I'll admit, I eat the chocolate. But in really small portions. I get one square, take tiny bites, let it melt in my mouth and just eat it reallllllly slowly. I guess this approach could be used for any craving food.

I found this article on Mayo clinic's website, thought that you may be interested in it

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water-retention/AN01680

Water retention: Are there any natural diuretics?
Is there a natural diuretic I can take — something without a prescription — for water retention that causes weight gain?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Some herbs and dietary supplements, such as dandelion, ginger and juniper, may have a diuretic effect that can help with water retention. But proceed with caution before you take anything.

First, water retention (edema) may have a medical cause. Talk to your doctor about possible causes of water retention or bloating before trying to treat it yourself. Also, even some so-called natural diuretics or supplements can be harmful, affect medical conditions you have or interact with medications you take. Some herbal supplements contain multiple ingredients, and they aren't regulated by the government, so you may not know exactly what you're getting or how much.

In theory, these natural diuretics may help relieve water retention by making you urinate more. But there is little if any scientific evidence of their diuretic effects, so you may not find them effective. And if you're aiming for long-term weight loss, natural diuretics probably won't help.

You may be able to better manage water retention — especially if it's related to menstruation — through some simple lifestyle changes, such as:

Cutting down on sodium. Don't add extra salt to food at the table, and look for reduced-sodium processed foods.Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables — especially those naturally rich in water, such as watermelon, onion, celery and cucumbers — can make you urinate more frequently, reducing water retention.Drinking more water. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water daily.If you're hoping to lose water weight as part of a weight-loss goal, focus instead on eating a healthier diet and getting plenty of exercise and activity — not taking diuretics. And remember, always let your doctor know about any dietary or herbal supplements you take.

I feel ya. I normally put on about 2 extra pounds during my period. I get so bloated and it's discouraging. It's funny because before I started trying to lose weight I didn't even notice it. I've found that I shed those couple of pounds at the end of my period, but it stops me from losing any additonal weight that week.....