Weight gain during your period is a topic that worries and raises many questions among menstruating people.

A feeling of bloating, a swollen belly, a higher number on the scale, unusual fatigue or stronger cravings… These symptoms often occur at the same time during the menstrual cycle! But is it really weight gain, or rather a temporary effect linked to hormones?

Better understanding what is happening in your body helps you go through this period more calmly and adopt solutions suited to your symptoms, without unnecessary worry.

In this article, we explain where the perceived weight gain during your period can come from, and how to better cope with it — or even relieve it.

Hormonal variations and their impact on weight

The menstrual cycle is regulated by several hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Their levels fluctuate throughout the month and directly influence the body, metabolism and water retention.

During the luteal phase — just before your period — progesterone levels rise. This hormone promotes water retention, slightly slows digestion and can increase the feeling of bloating or even cause temporary constipation. As a result, the number on the scale can increase by 1 to 3 kilos, without this being an actual gain in body fat.

Estrogen also plays a role in appetite and insulin sensitivity. When estrogen levels drop before menstruation, it is common to feel hungrier or experience sugar cravings. These mechanisms largely explain the link between weight gain and periods.

Why do I gain weight before my period?

Weight gain before your period is most often temporary. As explained above, it is linked to several combined factors.First, water retention is the main cause. The body stores more fluids, which can lead to a bloated belly, heavy legs, and sometimes even a puffier face.

This is often compounded by slower intestinal transit at the end of the cycle.
Cravings also play a role. The body asks for more energy — especially carbohydrates — to compensate for hormonal changes and increased fatigue. Be careful: eating more does not necessarily mean gaining fat, especially if it remains occasional!

Finally, stress and lack of sleep — often more pronounced before periods — can disrupt weight regulation. Cortisol, the stress hormone, also promotes water retention and therefore temporary weight gain.

What physical and psychological symptoms are linked to periods?

Periods are not limited to bleeding alone. They come with many symptoms, which can vary from person to person.

On a physical level, common symptoms include bloating, a feeling of abdominal heaviness, pelvic pain, breast tenderness, fatigue and sometimes headaches. These symptoms can reinforce the sensation of swelling and weight gain.

On a psychological level, hormonal fluctuations can also cause symptoms before and during periods, such as irritability, anxiety, low mood or difficulty concentrating.

When premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is present, feelings of discomfort or a strained relationship with one’s body image can intensify — especially when weight seems to increase suddenly.

How can you reduce weight gain and bloating during your period?

Even though period-related weight gain is natural and temporary, certain habits can help reduce discomfort :

For example, drinking enough water is essential! It may seem counterintuitive, but proper hydration helps the body eliminate excess salt and reduce water retention. Limiting ultra-processed and salty foods can also help reduce bloating.

Choosing a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and protein supports digestion and helps avoid blood sugar spikes. Foods rich in magnesium — such as nuts or dark chocolate — can also help reduce tension and sugar cravings.

Gentle physical activity, such as walking, yoga or stretching, promotes circulation and drainage. It also helps manage stress and fatigue, which can be especially helpful from the first signs of tiredness and anxiety.

How should you weigh yourself during the menstrual cycle?

As you’ve probably gathered, weighing yourself during or just before your period can be misleading. The number on the scale does not always reflect actual body composition and can be anxiety-inducing.

For more reliable tracking, it is recommended to weigh yourself at the same point in your cycle each time — for example, a few days after your period ends — when hormone levels are more stable and water retention decreases. Comparing weight at different phases of the cycle can be misleading, as your body naturally changes from week to week.

It is also important to remember that weight naturally fluctuates from day to day. Focusing too much on the scale, especially during your period, is therefore not always helpful.

What solutions exist to manage period-related weight gain?

The first solution is information. Understanding that weight gain during your period is linked to normal hormonal mechanisms helps put things into perspective and avoid unnecessary restrictive dieting. It’s best to let go of the scale for a few days and listen to your body.

Wearing comfortable and well-adapted menstrual protection, such as period panty, also contributes to overall well-being. They provide a feeling of security, support and freedom of movement — even in cases of bloating. Feeling comfortable in your clothes and in your body makes this period easier to live through, so don’t hesitate to wear looser clothing. Note that at Smoon, we also offer plus-size period underwear.

Some people also find relief with targeted supplements, such as magnesium or vitamin B6 — always with the advice of a healthcare professional if needed.

Finally, remember to stay well hydrated!

In the vast majority of cases, weight gain during your period is temporary and linked to water retention, hormonal fluctuations and changes in appetite. It does not correspond to real fat gain. Learning to listen to your body, adapting your habits and choosing comfortable solutions such as Smoon’s washable period underwear can help you go through your menstrual cycle with greater peace of mind. Discover all our French-designed period underwear directly on our website!