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Woman cramping on the floor

Source: Michael Poehlman / Getty

My “Get right, get tight for life” plan has been practically derailed every month, and I think my period is to blame.

I will have about two good weeks of clean eating and gym working it up, and then once Aunt Flo starts knocking on my vagina’s door, all those well orchestrated plans and diet restrictions go to sh*t.

And honestly, it feels good to blame something else other than my own lack of self control.

According to Natasha Johnson, M.D. gynecologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, some women really do gain up to five pounds or more during their period, Yahoo reports.

Two of our hormones–estrogen and progesterone–work together to sabotage our fitness plans (unintentionally of course.)

Estrogen peaks at the end of your menstrual cycle right before you period, which leads to fluid retention, Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale Medical School explains.

AKA you’re bloated and your jeans don’t fit.

The extra pounds of water weight tend to drop off right before your period.

Then, progesterone comes through to cause breast tenderness and additional water weight gain.

On top of that, you’re hungry as hell. Lisa Dabney, M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive science at the Icahn School Of Medicine at Mount Sinai, urges against indulging in your cravings. As hard as that may be.

Salty chips, carbs, ice cream, donuts etc etc all lead to fluid retention.

While we totally get having cheat days, you can try to beat the bloat by eating Greek Yogurt and staying hydrated, the site reports.

Last but not least, try to stay in the gym. I know I personally want to roll around on my floor for seven whole days when I’m bleeding, but exercise is an endorphin booster that can help ease the pain of cramps.

Don’t give up your goals because of your period! We can do this, beauties!

 

 

No, It’s Not All In Your Head: You Really Can Gain Five Pounds While On Your Period  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com