bloating and water retention DURING period only

[lawoman]

During the week of my period, I gain 6-7 lbs of water and bloat, its really gross and nothing gets rid of it. It's starts the day my period starts, and goes until I start the pill again ( 3 days later the weight starts to go down). My whole body looks like a waterbed, ripply, watery, upper arms, squishy and bloated abdomen. I drink tons of water, etc and it still stays.

I know most women bloat a bit BEFORE their periods then lose it when the period comes... I wonder why mine is DURING my period, and what I can do about it, i.e. diuretics, do they work, any brands, etc? I take some Alleve during the first few days for cramps, but I don't think thats causing it, is it?
Help I can't get into any of my clothes!!

[lhowell]

Well, I'd say first to limit your salt intake as much as possible.  Do you exercise during your period--if not, try to exercise more?  Also, Midol should help.

[sparkeler]

I think every women is different.  I am bloated sometimes during my period too.  I don't think its that uncommon.

[lawoman]

I don't use salt, I do exercise, which during the rest of the month will drop water retention, but doesnt work during period. It must be hormonal???
Most women I know dont gain 7 lbs of water-- it really looks awful, are there any diruetics that work? Help!

[jenny906]

I always gain 3-4 pounds during my period..it goes away a few days after my period ends...i think that its normal to gain weight like that during..i always have

[Cherice34]

I too have the same problem.  I am in the United States Army and I exercise daily; however, every month I find myself bloated.  Whenever my period goes off, everyone ask me have I lost weight.  Is it that obvious?  I am sorry but I don't have an anwser for bloating but I do know that exercise helps for the cramps.

[clarissa510]

I also have this problem, though not as many pounds of water.  Have often wondered if i was merely imagining it and it was really fat because it seems to hang around for a long time even after the period.  Sometimes, i only seem to get back to normal just before my period.  I'm 50 and notice this more with age, but maybe I just never paid much attention before.

[clarissa510]

Sorry, i meant to say: I also have no magic cure.  I've been on diuretics lately for a heart condition, and they work, but i doubt you can get them without a prescription.  

Vitamin C (esp in powder form) seems to have diuretic effects.  

[Medi_facs]

Hi lawoman, I am the same as you...I gain exactly 7 pounds regulary ( very rarely its sometimes 10) and when I bring it up to the doctor they don't take me seriously. It's horrible!  I don't know what to do I cant control it. Usu its BEFORE my period. Right now its on it, Sometimes I feel like i'm imagining things, and im just fat, but no its the water weight because it will go away and my face / stomach will look slim again...ure not alone. My waist can gain 3 inches within one hour. I dont have a solution...yet...i just wanted you to know its no as uncommon as you think....unfortunately.

Still searching

[Medi_facs]

whoops i meant to say 3 inches in one day

[Apple_25]

I have this problem too, i gain 5 - 7lbs and i hate it, i can't fit into any of my clothes, but i find that it does go away once i finish my period.
It is normal to go through this, but every woman is different! I experience this 2 weeks before my period.. I dont take anything for it, as my doc says its completely normal, but just to make sure not to eat too much salty foods, and avoid caffine alot too.. Eating plenty of fruit helps too..
Do not stress, that would make it worse. Just exercise for about 30 mins gently, and avoid junk foods..