How long does water retention last during period?

Let’s face it; any woman who has had to deal with monthly periods understands how challenging and frustrating the experience can be. Hormonal changes, mood swings, cramps, bloating- you name it! The list goes on and on. One of the most common uncomfortable symptoms associated with menstruation is water retention.

Water retention also known as edema is an accumulation of fluid in your tissues that causes swelling during your menstrual cycle. This article provides answers to questions like what exactly are these fluids? Why do they build-up in our body? And ultimately help us understand how long water retention lasts during periods.

What Causes Water Retention During Menstruation?

Several factors cause water retention in women during their menstrual cycle such as hormonal balance or imbalance (Hey hormones! Calm down a little). A necessary hormone involved here is aldosterone which regulates sodium levels within our bodies. When estrogen levels increase before ovulation, there’ll be more production of aldosterone leading to excess buildup of sodium and fluids within our body systems.(I mean why does one have to suffer this much?) What follows after ovulation are decreasing estrogen levels leading to decreased aldosterone production, resulting in less accumulation of fluids thus explaining premenstrual water weight gain.

Another significant factor causing water retention could be dehydration (yes-somehow it adds up!). When you become dehydrated before your period starts, your body tends to cling onto every drop of fluid vital for bodily processes hence retaining more than needed (Mental note – Drink plenty fluids!)

Lifestyle choices also play a role(everything we do wrong comes back at this point especially binge-watching Netflix or scrolling Tiktok!. Being sedentary daily isn’t ideal since sitting positions promote blood build-up around legs compelling them not only swollen but restless at times too(Great we just received notice from society practically stating,this is the ideal time to skip the gym). However, light activities can reduce your symptoms and help encourage muscle movement promoting good blood flow.

How Long Does Water Retention Last?

How long this water weight gain last varies per individual. Everyone’s body reacts differently under different circumstances. This period could differ from just a couple of days before your menstrual cycle starts up till a few more days after it ends (Oh no! Tell me there’s an algorithm?) Some women experience varying levels of edema consistently throughout their cycle- particularly those on birth control or hormone replacement therapy.

For others, fluid retention is minimal during earlier phases leading to increased accumulation in later stages ( So you had hopes but sorry girl what goes around comes back all at once!). Ultimately it depends on factors like diet, lifestyle choices amongst other things; keeping track week by week will help give insight into how one’s body responds thus plan accordingly.

Differentiating between cyclic edema from underlying health concerns are critical especially when experiencing severe cases unresponsive to home remedies.(Yes- Doctor appointments are not overrated)If this occurs consult with a medical professional asap!

Home Remedies To Reduce Symptoms

Water retention without any other associated conditions tends not only uncomfortable but unbearable for some women (To make matters worse we have bandaged-wrapped cravings!) Fortunately enough various self-care measures aid reducing its unpleasant effects including;

Drinking Lots of Fluids

Drinking fluids like water helps ensure proper hydration essential in preventing retaining too much fluid within our bodies besides regular urination aiding removal of excess sodium hence less bloating (Bathroom trips anyone?).

Getting Enough Rest and Sleep

Getting enough sleep is necessary: insufficient sleep negatively affects hormonal balance worsening premenstrual syndrome symptoms(i.e., fluid retention).

Dietary Modifications

Low-sodium diets proffer having little salt intake reduces fluid buildup while high-protein foods contain amino acids needed for cells repairing in the body (yum- balance is key). Also, potassium-rich foods like bananas could aid in regulating sodium levels.

Light Exercises

Walking or swimming frequently promotes excellent blood circulation leading to less accumulation of fluids around areas such as feet/legs.

Over-The-Counter Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may ease swelling and discomfort caused by water weight gain during periods. Simultaneously also reducing cramps experienced during menstruation.

Heat And Cold Therapy

(Anyone remember bagged ice on their lower abdomen?) While cold treatments are conventional methods for reducing pain associated with menstrual cramps; using heat therapy might reduce edema too! Using a warm towel/bath could prove helpful (Score!)

To crown it up, handling premenstrual symptoms-especially fluid retention-varies from person to person as there isn’t one universal solution towards this process. Plan accordingly based on monitoring your body’s response using home remedies alongside professional health care if necessary.
Happy period maintenance ladies!(We take what we have been given and work through it right? -right).

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