‘Why do I go up an entire dress size when I’m on my period?’

Kat O'Connor

I always dread getting my period because my body confidence goes out the window

There is one period side effect that isn’t discussed enough.

We’re all too familiar with the impact your period has on your overall health every month. It can leave you feeling drained, irritable, uncomfortable, and emotional. We go through 101 different emotions and physical changes during that time of the month.

However, there’s one symptom I’ve been struggling with that I need to talk about.

Days before my period is due, I noticed a major change in my body. My stomach starts to bloat so much that I actually go up an entire dress size. I struggle to find clothes to wear and outfits that usually make me feel good would look completely different on my body.

My stomach wouldn’t hurt, apart from the usual period pains, but it would be so swollen that I’d go up an entire dress size.

I’ve started buying separate clothes that would make me feel better during the few days I suffer from this symptom.

But why does it happen?

At first, I was concerned that there was something else going on but my doctor reassured me that it is often a common period symptom.

It may feel like you’ve gained weight but a lot of it is simply extreme bloating.

Why does my stomach change so much during my period?

According to Healthline, one thing that causes this body change is hormonal changes caused by water retention.

Water retention occurs when your estrogen and progesterone decrease rapidly. It increases your body weight, but it does not increase your body fat.

92% of women suffer from water retention during their period, but just because it is common doesn’t mean it is easy to deal with.

@breelenehan gals, we ✨temporarily✨ gain around 5lbs/2kgs on our periods 🤯 we really can’t give so much power to something as ever-changing as our bodies… Be a lil kinder to yourself ok? 💗 #bodyimage #beautystandards #relatable #female #bloated #bloating #girls #thisisnormal ♬ Boy's a liar Pt. 2 – PinkPantheress & Ice Spice

Others may find they suffer from extreme bloating, but hormonal changes can also increase gas in your gastrointestinal tract and cause bloating.

Your stomach may feel swollen, tight, and extremely uncomfortable, and you may feel like you’ve gained weight but it is temporary.

The ‘weight gain’ is caused by chemicals called prostaglandins that are released by your uterus.

“Prostaglandins make your uterus contract and shed its lining. This causes abdominal pain during your period,” Healthline explained.

You may notice the bloating will start five days before your period is due and will often last for the first few days of your period.

It’s important to note that this period weight gain doesn’t make you less of a person. It is common, but feeling frustrated about it is also understandable.

As women, we go through so much before, during, and after our periods. Our bodies are ever-changing and sometimes it feels exhausting when another symptom crops up and knocks your confidence for six.

If anyone is in the same boat as me then I’d recommend being extra kind to yourself when your body goes through this irritating phase. Remind yourself that the changes are temporary and invest in clothes that will make you feel comfortable, as well as confident.

Or follow my lead and wear pyjamas as often as possible.