The menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days – depending on the woman – and starts on the first day of menstruation.
During the first 14 days of the cycle, the hormones LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) stimulate follicle development. And they activate the increasing production of estrogen.
Around the 14th day, the oocyte exits the follicle to find itself in the fallopian tubes, the estrogen level plummets drastically. This is ovulation!
The follicle, still attached to the ovary, turns into a corpus luteum and produces progesterone for the rest of the cycle, to preserve the uterine lining in anticipation of fertilization.
Without fertilization, the progesterone level also drops, the uterine lining deteriorates: hello mother nature, the period starts.
With low hormone levels, a new cycle begins, and this continues for many years until menopause.
Ovulation occurs when there is an estrogen peak around the 14th day: this is the fertile period. It is a key point in the menstrual cycle. But does it have an impact on our weight?
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Ovulation: between bloating and weight gain
Can you gain weight around ovulation?
It is not impossible to gain weight during ovulation.
Indeed, during this follicular phase, your body produces more and more estrogen which can directly affect your appearance. Your body may experience water retention, leading to an increase in pounds on the scale.
But you may primarily suffer from bloating, making you feel puffier than usual.
However, the ovulatory phase is not the most favorable time for weight gain. It is after this phase that your weight is more likely to increase.
The days following the start of menstruation until ovulation, as well as the beginning of the second part of the cycle – after ovulation – are normally the two periods least impacted in terms of weight gain.
What are the other symptoms of the ovulatory phase?
Weight gain is not the primary symptom of the ovulatory phase. You may experience other symptoms indicating this fertility period:
- a slight increase in temperature of a few tenths of a degree
- pain in the lower abdomen due to the egg being released by the ovaries
- breast tenderness
- increased libido
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Around menstruation: significant weight variations
Before menstruation, increased weight on the scale
After ovulation, it is the luteal phase: hormonal changes occur, with increased progesterone production in the first days.
If everything goes well during the first days of this phase, it may not be the same story as menstruation approaches! Because if there is no fertilization, progesterone production weakens.
And it leads to the dreaded PMS: premenstrual syndrome in 20 to 40% of women.
Not all women are affected and do not have the same symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome can cause water retention in the tissues, which is the main culprit of weight gain during menstruation.
So, do not be surprised if you gain more than a kilo during this period. The best advice? Avoid weighing yourself.
After menstruation, weight returns to normal
Good news, once menstruation begins, your weight gradually returns to normal.
It’s the progressive increase in estrogen that allows weight regulation again.
When hormones lead us to snack
Psychological effects
Apart from the direct impact of the menstrual cycle on weight, hormones can play tricks on the psychological aspect.
Indeed, studies have shown that premenstrual syndrome is associated with a decrease in serotonin, an increased risk of depression, and larger food cravings.
More snacking
Not only are you more likely to snack more during these few days – leading to heaviness and weight gain – but your self-esteem can be affected.
The result? Your image in the mirror is distorted by your negative emotions!
