Abdominal bloating is a common symptom associated with a woman's menstrual cycle. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 85 percent of women experience pre-menstrual symptoms like bloating. The bloating usually goes away as the menstrual cycle begins. There are ways you can help prevent subsequent weight gain in the abdominal area. Persistent or painful bloating should be addressed with a doctor, as this may indicate a more serious health conditions.
Causes
A menstrual cycle is related to the shedding of the uterine wall as a result of an unfertilized egg. The uterus also contracts, which sometimes causing cramping and other symptoms such as abdominal bloating. The American Pregnancy Association notes that these symptoms may occur during every menstrual cycle, or even only a few cycles. Aside from changes in the uterus, there are fluctuations in certain hormones during this time of the month. According to Parents.com, your body's levels of estrogen, prostaglandins and progesterone increase right before your period starts. This can cause water retention in the abdomen.
Effects
Water retention is directly related to premenstrual syndrome. Unfortunately, this may take a few days to go away until your hormone levels decrease. Certain lifestyle changes can worsen abdominal weight gain. Bloating is enough to make you feel uncomfortable, and you may even have difficulties wearing certain clothing.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent bloating during your period. Sodium is a common culprit of water retention and can worsen bloating while you're on your cycle. Parents.com recommends limiting your salt intake a week before your period starts to help prevent bloating. Exercising, eating a healthy diet and drinking ample water also helps prevent abdominal weight gain.
Supplements
When simple lifestyle changes aren't enough to prevent menstrual-cycle related weight gain, ask your doctor about taking supplements. According to the MayoClinic.com website, magnesium and calcium supplements may help prevent water retention. Do not exceed 1,200 mg of calcium and 400 mg of magnesium per day. Diuretics also help flush excess water out of the body. Use diuretic products with caution, as they can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies and dehydration.
When to See a Doctor
Persistent bloating should be addressed with a doctor, particularly if you gain a few pounds in the abdomen that you have difficulty losing. Water retention and abdominal pain that occurs during as well as outside of your period can be related to gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. Abdominal pain that is accompanied by prolonged cases of water retention and extreme weight gain may be indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome. If you notice anything unusual during your cycles besides mild bloating, see your physician immediately.
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