Most women suffer from water retention during periods as much as before periods. It is a common phenomena and taking some simple measures often helps to relieve the symptoms…
The time before the periods and during the periods is among the most uncomfortable time for most women. There are different reasons for the same. One of the most prominent reason is water retention seen around this time. The other common problems are lower back pain, uneasiness, leg pain, etc. Water retention often leads to weight gain especially about a week or so before the start of the periods. In some cases, it is a problem faced every month, while in other cases, it may hinder the day-to-day activities during the said time.
What Causes Water Retention During Menses?
- Hormonal Changes: One of the most prominent cause of water retention is hormonal changes that take place during the period. The fluctuations in the hormones causes fluid build up in the extremities. Hence, some women may also suffer from swelling on the hands and legs before their periods.
- Dehydration: Due to the number of changes taking place in the body before and during the period, coupled with uneasiness, leads to not consuming sufficient quantity of water. This in turn causes dehydration. When the body goes into dehydration mode, it leads to edema as the body conserves water for further use.
- High Sodium Levels: Most women tend to suffer from food cravings before and during periods. It is also coupled with high metabolism levels before the periods. They often tend to binge on sodium rich foods. High quantity of sodium leads to water retention.
What are the Symptoms of Water Retention During Menstruation?
The most common symptom of edema during period is unexplained weight gain. Weight gain may be observed over a period of couple of days all of a sudden. Swelling on the hands and feet, heaviness in the breast are also caused due to water retention. If water content in the body is very high, then if pressed on the skin, an indent may be seen for a few seconds, which is a symptom of water retention.
How to Relieve Water Retention During Menses?
In most cases, water retention does subside on its own once the periods start. However, in some cases, some measures will have to be taken to relieve the condition. This is especially true if water retention is severe.
- Drink Water: The foremost water retention remedy is to consume sufficient quantity of water and not be dehydrated. Once sufficient quantity of water is consumed, the excess is thrown out of the body and helps in relieving water retention.
- Reduce Sodium Intake: We have just seen one of the causes of water retention is high sodium intake. Therefore to reduce edema during periods, it is important to reduce sodium intake. When the levels of sodium in the body decrease, water retention is reduced on its own.
- Water Rich Foods: Along with consuming water, it is important that the diet should consist of foods rich in water. Therefore, it is best to include foods like cucumbers, watermelon, berries, lettuce, celery, etc., in the diet. With these foods, the water content in the body will go up and help in reducing water retention.
- Exercise: One of the best methods of elevating water retention is with exercise. At least 30 minutes of exercise should be incorporated in the daily routine. It will also help in better blood circulation and also help in metabolism, which in turn will help in elevating the condition.
- Calcium: Most women suffer from low calcium levels. Therefore, it is recommended, that one takes calcium supplements especially before and during periods. However, it does not mean that you do not include calcium in your diet. Calcium helps in treating water retention by excreting extra water out of the body.
- Nutrient Supplements: Along with calcium, it is recommended that Vitamin B6 supplements and magnesium supplements be also taken. Again, make it a point to consume foods rich in each of these nutrients as well.
As far as possible, it is not recommended that you opt for diuretics when you suffer from edema during periods. If you must, then it should be used under the guidance of a health care professional. In case water retention does not subside after the periods, it is recommended that you consult your physician. It may be caused due to some other health condition as well. Your health care professional will be in a better place to find the root cause of the problem.
