Weight Gain Before Menstruation: Causes and Concerns

Weight gain?

Hello, doctor! Why do I have an increased appetite before my period, feeling unsatisfied after eating, which leads to weight gain, and then my weight returns to normal after my period ends? Is this considered a problem? I got my first period in the ninth grade; at what age can I expect to reach menopause? What symptoms should I expect before menopause? Please answer me.
Thank you!

Zhongnianren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/03/15

Dr. Peng Yiguo reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
The period following ovulation is referred to as the luteal phase.
During this time, there are changes in carbohydrate metabolism and glucose tolerance, which can lead to a diabetic effect, resulting in increased appetite.
Weight gain during this phase is partly due to fluid retention, a condition known in medicine as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
After the onset of menstruation, the luteal phase ends, and normalcy is restored.
Reducing stress and engaging in appropriate exercise can lead to improvements.
2.
There is a trend of earlier onset of menarche in women, shifting from ages 16-17 to around 12 years old.
However, the age of menopause has not changed significantly, generally occurring around age 50.
The menopausal transition, known as perimenopause, lasts approximately 2-5 years and is characterized by menopausal symptoms, the most common of which is hot flashes, typically starting with a sensation of heat in the chest and spreading to the face, often followed by cold sweats.
These symptoms frequently occur at night, leading to insomnia.
Other common menopausal symptoms include palpitations, depression, irritability, fatigue, and emotional instability.
Adequate supplementation of female hormones can lead to significant improvements.

Reply Date: 2002/03/15

More Info

Understanding weight gain before menstruation is a common concern for many individuals, and it can be attributed to several physiological and hormonal changes that occur in the body during the menstrual cycle.
Firstly, it is important to recognize that the menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. In the luteal phase, which occurs after ovulation and before menstruation, progesterone levels rise significantly. This hormonal fluctuation can lead to various symptoms, including increased appetite and cravings for certain types of food, particularly those high in carbohydrates and sugars. This phenomenon is often referred to as "premenstrual syndrome" (PMS), and it can cause individuals to feel hungrier than usual, leading to increased food intake and, consequently, temporary weight gain.

Additionally, during this phase, the body tends to retain more water due to hormonal changes, which can also contribute to a feeling of bloating and an increase in weight. This water retention is a normal response and typically resolves once menstruation begins, leading to a return to baseline weight. Therefore, the weight gain you experience before your period is usually not a cause for concern, as it is often temporary and related to these natural hormonal fluctuations.

Regarding your question about menopause, the average age for women to experience menopause is around 51 years, but it can vary significantly from person to person. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. The transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin several years before the last menstrual period and may start in the 40s or even earlier. Symptoms of perimenopause can include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in sleep patterns.
It is also worth noting that lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can influence the severity of PMS symptoms and weight fluctuations. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity can help mitigate some of the symptoms associated with PMS, including increased appetite and weight gain.

If you find that your symptoms are particularly bothersome or if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest dietary adjustments or lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms more effectively.

In summary, the weight gain you experience before your menstrual period is typically a normal physiological response to hormonal changes and is not usually a cause for concern. As for menopause, it generally occurs around the age of 51, with perimenopause beginning several years prior. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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