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17 years
Why is it when a woman gets her period, she gains weight about 1-2 kg before or during menstruation?
Oct 1, 2014
2nd opinion

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Weight gain around or during the menstrual cycle usually constitute part of the premenstrual syndrome (also known as PMS). PMS affects up to ¾ of women; symptoms may begin as early as 5-11 days before the period. Other symptoms of PMS include bloating, abdominal cramps, and irritability.
Weight gain during period is usually the result of water retention in the tissues. A condition that is not serious but still causes women discomfort that they can gain 1-2 Kg.
Weight gain during the menstrual cycle has a number of causes, including water retention, bloating, overeating or food craving and drop in magnesium levels.
Water retention.
The most common cause of weight gain during your period is water being retained in the tissues. Water retention, or edema, gets significantly affected by the fluctuations in hormonal levels which occur during the menstrual cycle, with a sudden drop in progesterone levels. A sensation of bloating, often experienced before the period and during menstruation, takes place. Alterations in bowel movements can also lead to water retention.
Bloating.
It is usually precipitated by an increase in the volume of gas in the intestines. Periods of physical inactivity around the time of menstruation, due to pain and fatigue, can also cause bloating. Menstrual cramps are often associated with bloating, and these can be severe. Another common symptom is constipation, which can also lead to a bloating sensation.
Food cravings and overeating.
Real mass gain may be correlated with an increase in appetite and food intake during period. Food cravings and overeating are a notorious aspect of the menstrual cycle, and are the result of hormonal changes and an increase in levels of metabolism. These events are perceived by the brain as a lack of glucose which leads to the consumption of around 100-200 extra calories, especially on the days of heavy menstrual flow. Luckily, food cravings do not last long and typically resolve with the end of the period.
Fall of magnesium levels.
Before the start of the menstrual period, serum magnesium levels may decrease, which may lead to low insulin levels, which in turn stimulates sugar craving as the brain perceives a drop in glucose levels. This ultimately leads to increased sugar consumption and weight gain.
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