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