Understanding Weight Gain Before Your Period: Causes & Relief

Weight gain is a normal symptom of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. This symptom of PMS is due to water retention.

Definition

• Water retention occurs when your body retains more water than it should. This can cause a slight increase in weight as well as bloating.

Causes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, it is unclear why women experience symptoms of PMS, or why water retention occurs directly before a woman's period. It is suggested that the hormonal changes in the body play a large part.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of water retention include a slight increase in weight, bloating and feeling heavier.

Prevention/Solution

• According to the Mayo Clinic website, lowering salt intake, being physically active and eating healthier can help reduce water retention before a woman's period.

Treatment

• Water retention is not always preventable, but it is treatable. There are many over-the-counter medications available, such as Midol or Pamprin, that relieve water retention and other symptoms of PMS.