Why does the face swell during menstruation? Water retention before menstruation: how to get rid of it

Pre-menstrual water retention can be uncomfortable and irritating, but lifestyle changes, medications and dietary supplements can help relieve this common premenstrual symptom.

Water retention is a classic symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For most women, water retention is just a monthly concern, but in some cases it can be severe enough to interfere with your daily activities.

Lifestyle changes

Good health care can help reduce water retention.

Incorporate physical activity into your daily life.
Women who make time for regular physical activity report fewer PMS symptoms overall.
Less salt
. Limiting the amount of salt in your diet can prevent water retention. Avoid adding extra salt to food at the table or while cooking, and eat less processed food. Also look out for hidden sources of salt, such as soy sauce, canned vegetables, soups and deli meats.
Eat healthy.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Let's look at the drugs

If you cannot control premenstrual water retention with lifestyle changes, various medications may help. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your desire to become pregnant and other factors, options for getting rid of excess water may include:

Diuretics
. These medications, also called diuretics, are available by prescription to help reduce fluid buildup. Be aware that taking ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics at the same time may cause kidney damage.
Birth control pills
. Some research suggests that oral contraceptives, which prevent ovulation, may help reduce the physical symptoms of PMS.

Choose Supplements Carefully

Calcium.
Magnesium.
B vitamins such as thiamine and riboflavin.
Vitamin E.

Consult your physician before taking dietary supplements or herbal remedies. Taking too much of these products or taking them with other medications can harm yourself. For example, too much vitamin E may be problematic for women who have diabetes or heart disease.

A woman’s mood and well-being are completely subject to hormonal fluctuations, so in the period before and during menstruation, the fair sex cannot boast of feeling well. The thing is that a few days before menstruation, the level of progesterone in the blood is at its highest, which provokes a number of unpleasant symptoms in a woman. This is heaviness in the lower abdomen, skin rashes, excessive appetite, drowsiness, swelling of the mammary glands and swelling. As for the last symptom, fluid retention occurs during premenstrual syndrome (hereinafter referred to as PMS) in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and uterus. The swelling then spreads to parts of the body that contain fat (thighs, abdomen and buttocks), causing many women to be dismayed to find that their usual trouser size becomes too tight. Swelling also provokes a decrease in the number of urinations and the volume of urine produced, because progesterone is considered an antidiuretic hormone.

During the end of the menstrual cycle, women's face and legs swell in most cases, which causes significant discomfort, especially in the heat. It is worth noting that the following are susceptible to swelling during PMS:

overweight women;
women with vegetative-vascular dystonia;
women with kidney disease;
women in the premenopausal period.

Is swelling before menstruation normal?

And there are more questions than answers here; Besides, not everyone has swelling. Experts explain: in most cases, this reaction of the body is natural, as a response to hormonal changes. After menstruation, hormonal levels normalize and swelling goes away, but not for everyone: more often they remain in those who belong to “risk groups”.

These are women who are overweight - estrogens accumulate in adipose tissue - and have an irregular cycle; those suffering from chronic diseases of the female genital area (polyps, cysts, endometriosis, etc.), heart and blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys; taking hormonal contraceptives; teenage girls and women over 40 years old. The predisposition to edema increases sharply with poor nutrition, frequent consumption of foods with phytoestrogens, an inactive lifestyle, physical and emotional overload and a tendency to bad habits.

They can swell not only - shoes become small, but also - under “bags”, puffiness. The abdomen often swells, and sometimes everything swells - more often when there are problems with the kidneys.

In the evening, swelling is more noticeable, especially during sedentary or standing work. But for some they are more pronounced in the morning: it has been noted that many “treats” and “delicacies” contribute to fluid retention.

How to deal with swelling of the legs and face during PMS?

First of all, correcting your daily routine will help prevent swelling in the last days before your period. On the eve of critical days, every woman should pay increased attention to her diet. It is recommended to limit the consumption of fatty meats, dairy products, fried foods, smoked foods, processed foods and spices. It doesn’t hurt to temporarily exclude drinks containing caffeine (coffee, cola, energy drinks), as they excite the nervous system and aggravate the problem of edema. In the menu you can enter: peaches, plums, apricots, citrus fruits, apples, cucumbers, zucchini, watermelon and pumpkin.

For drinks, preference should be given to pure water, herbal infusions and natural juices. Good drinking and nutrition will help prevent swelling of the legs and face before menstruation.

If swelling does appear, you can get rid of it using some simple techniques:

If your face is swollen, then in the morning you can improve its appearance with the help of this mask: a raw potato tuber is finely grated on a grater, and the resulting mass is evenly distributed on the eyelids. The mask is left for 15 minutes, after which it is washed off with cool water.
Two cotton pads are soaked in chilled green tea and a compress is applied to the eyelids for 15 minutes. Green tea perfectly tones the skin and relieves puffiness.
An egg white mask is excellent for eliminating bags under the eyes. To perform the procedure, just beat the egg white with a whisk and apply it under the lower eyelids for 15 minutes.
A raw protein mask is excellent for eliminating puffiness under the eyes. It is done like this: beat the egg whites with a whisk and apply it under the lower eyelids for 15 minutes.
Whole milk is poured into a cup and two ice cubes are added. Soak two cotton pads in milk and apply them as a compress to the eyelids for 10 minutes.
One teaspoon of chopped parsley is mixed with two teaspoons of sour cream 20% fat. The mask is applied to the face and after 20 minutes, washed with cold water.
Several sprigs of fresh rosemary are chopped and poured with a glass of boiling water. The broth is infused for seven days in a dark place. In the morning, the infusion is used instead of a cleanser.
To relieve swelling of the legs during PMS, you can wipe them every evening with an ice cube made from chamomile infusion or strong coffee.
In order for the swelling on the legs to go away, it is recommended to prepare the following bath: a glass of salt is dissolved in 10 liters of water, and then a tablespoon of soda and a teaspoon of iodine are added. Place your feet in the resulting liquid for 10 minutes. The procedure can be done at any time of the day.

You can also make some oral products at home:

Three bay leaves are poured into a glass of boiling water. The decoction is taken one tablespoon three times a day. Important: if there is a high probability that the woman is pregnant, then this remedy for eliminating edema should not be taken.
A tablespoon of dried and crushed rose hips is poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and the broth is left to steep overnight under the lid. Take three glasses a day. Rosehip not only helps fight swelling, but also strengthens the immune system, which becomes weakened before menstruation.
Three tablespoons of unpeeled oats are poured into a liter of water and left overnight. In the morning, boil the infusion for 20 minutes. Take the oat remedy 1/5 cup five times a day.

During the end of the cycle, a woman should rest a lot, walk in the fresh air and not worry about trifles. To avoid swelling of the legs, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, avoid physical inactivity and do simple exercises for the legs. To prevent swelling of the face, you should sleep on a high pillow, do not overindulge in salty foods in the evening, and also limit the strain on your eyes before bed (reading, working at the computer).

Premenstrual syndrome is a set of specific symptoms - pain, swelling of the peritoneum and mammary glands, deterioration in general well-being - the development of which is caused by hormonal imbalance. Swelling before menstruation is a natural reaction of the female body to changes in hormone levels, and therefore goes away on its own after the completion of the critical days.

If swelling persists for a long time, the woman should visit a gynecologist.

Causes of swelling before menstruation

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Hormonal levels play a huge role in a woman’s life. Her mood and some changes in the body depend on the presence of certain active substances.

Most of the fair sex experience some discomfort before the onset of menstruation. They often feel unwell and feel heaviness in the lower abdomen.

Swelling before menstruation, which is localized in the distal parts of the legs, in the face, mammary glands and abdomen, is also a common occurrence.

Causes of edema

All negative manifestations in a woman during this period are called premenstrual syndrome. It has several varieties, depending on the symptoms, but most often there is an edematous form, which can also be accompanied by cephalgic, neuropsychic and others. There is no exact theory about why swelling and other symptoms of PMS appear during the end of the cycle.

Experts suggest that the whole point lies in the peculiarities of hormonal levels:

The main cause of swelling in tissues is the high concentration of estrogen in the blood. These substances promote sodium retention and fluid accumulation.
Low progesterone levels. This hormone has a diuretic effect and removes sodium. Its deficiency further aggravates the effect of estrogen.
Presence of prolactin. It, like estrogens, can retain sodium and fluid in the body. This becomes possible both by increasing its quantity and by increasing the sensitivity of the tissue to its effects.
There are other mechanisms for the appearance of leg swelling during menstruation. Thus, during stress, the production of ACTH in the pituitary gland may increase. It leads to increased fluid return as it is filtered by the kidneys. In some cases, a lack of vitamins and microelements plays a role.

There are also predisposing factors. Most often, fluid begins to accumulate before the onset of menstruation in women with the following characteristics:

Heavy weight. Fat acts as a depot for estrogen.
Poor nutrition with excess foods containing phytoestrogens.
Chronic ailments - kidney, liver, intestinal and cardiovascular pathologies.
Irregular cycle.
Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.
Bad habits.
Frequent psycho-emotional overload.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Diseases of the internal genital organs - endometriosis, cyst, polyposis.
Formative adolescence and premenopause.

Signs of deviation

Swelling during the onset and before the onset of menstruation manifests itself differently for everyone. Sometimes they are localized only in the chest and abdomen, legs, but can be detected throughout the body. Such symptoms become especially pronounced in the presence of kidney disease. PMS in a woman is accompanied by the following symptoms:

increase in body weight by a couple of kilograms;
pain and distension in the mammary glands, abdomen;
sleep and appetite disturbances;
anxiety and depression;
pain in the abdomen, head, intestines;
constipation;
the appearance of acne.

What to do

When swelling occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle, you should try to prevent it. To do this you need:

Review your diet. A week before the start of your period, you need to reduce your intake of salt, animal fat, smoked and fried foods. Instead of coffee or tea, it is recommended to drink clean water and decoctions of diuretic herbs. You need to consume foods high in B vitamins, selenium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. It is necessary to eat fresh fruits and vegetables at all times.
Normalize the functioning of the intestines, kidneys, liver, heart and blood vessels . To do this, you need to visit specialists and start treating chronic ailments that cause water retention in the body.
Constantly exercise, take walks every day. If you are overweight, reduce the caloric content of food consumed and eliminate bad habits.

If all the measures taken do not help, then you should contact an endocrinologist and find out the cause of the appearance of edema and other unpleasant phenomena before menstruation. In some cases, the doctor may recommend a short course of treatment with mild diuretics or taking hormonal contraceptives with a diuretic effect, vitamins and dietary supplements.

Traditional methods

Providing assistance in the presence of edema dependent on a woman’s menstrual cycle must be comprehensive. In some cases, you can use natural ingredients, but before doing this, you should consult your doctor.

It is recommended to relieve swelling in the face using a mask made from raw potatoes. It needs to be grated and distributed on the skin in the eyelid area. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes and then rinse with cool, clean water.
Green tea helps relieve swelling of the eyelids. Blot two cotton pads with tea leaves and place them on the affected area. Keep the lotion for no more than 15 minutes.
If swelling is localized mainly under the eyes, then an egg white mask helps best in this case. Whip it with a whisk and lubricate the skin.
A compress of cold whole milk with pieces of ice helps. Cotton pads are soaked in this solution and placed on closed eyes. Keep for about 10 minutes.
A mask made from chopped parsley with the addition of sour cream (20% fat) is very effective. They need to be taken in a 1:2 ratio and mixed thoroughly. The mixture is applied evenly to the skin of the face, and after 20 minutes it should be washed off with tonic or water.
For washing before menstruation, you can prepare an infusion of rosemary. Several fresh branches of the plant should be poured with a glass of boiling water and kept in a dark place for one week.
To relieve swelling during PMS, it is recommended to wipe your face with ice cubes . They can be made with regular clean water or a decoction of anti-inflammatory herbs. Sometimes natural coffee brews are frozen for this purpose.
If your legs swell before your period, you can prepare a special bath. For it you need to dissolve 200 grams of salt in 10 liters of water, add a large spoon of soda and a small spoon of honey. Soak your feet for 10 minutes and then wipe them dry. This procedure can be done at any time, several times a day.
For oral administration, traditional healers recommend using bay leaves. For the decoction, take three large leaves and brew 250 ml of water. You should take one spoon three times a day. This must be done with extreme caution, since bay leaves in this form can cause increased uterine tone.
It is very useful to prepare a decoction of rose hips, especially for swelling of the feet. To do this, grind a tablespoon of raw material and brew 500 ml of boiling water in a thermos. Drink 20 ml, three times a day. The decoction allows you to quickly cope with swelling and strengthen the body's immune forces.
Unpeeled oat grains (three large spoons) are poured with a liter of boiling water and left overnight. In the morning, the drug is cooked for 20 minutes. You need to take it 1/5 cup up to five times a day.

Swelling before the onset of menstruation usually goes away if you follow the above recommendations. However, if all methods have been tried and relief does not occur, then you should immediately seek help from a doctor and undergo a thorough examination. Perhaps water retention in the body is a symptom of a serious illness.

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Source: https://FitoInfo.com/lechenie-travami/ginekologiya/otek-pered-mesyachnymi.html

Causes of premenstrual edema

Edema is considered the main form of manifestation of premenstrual syndrome, the development of which is caused by the progression of hormonal disorders in the female body. In addition to menstruation, swelling appears during puberty, during pregnancy and menopause: the causes of such swelling are changes in hormone levels.

Excess estrogen

The main reason for the development of swelling on the eve of critical days is the body’s excessive production of estrogen, which retains sodium in the female reproductive system, which leads to the accumulation of water in the intercellular space. Factors that increase estrogen synthesis include:

wrong lifestyle;
taking oral contraceptives;
vitamin deficiency;
inflammation of the bile ducts;
unstable menstrual cycle.

Often, excess estrogen is a consequence of excess weight.

Progesterone deficiency

Another common cause of swelling before menstruation is excessive production of estrogen, which has a suppressive effect on the process of progesterone synthesis. Since this hormone has a diuretic effect, which ensures the removal of sodium to the outside, its deficiency precedes fluid retention in the body and the occurrence of swelling of the mammary glands.

Elevated prolactin

Also, swelling develops against the background of an increase in prolactin levels, which prevents the removal of sodium from the body. Often, swelling of the mammary glands occurs when prolactin levels are normal, which is due to the high sensitivity of the connective tissue to the hormone.

Why does my stomach swell before my period?

Among the causes of swelling during menstruation are:

characteristics of the body;
hormonal changes.

Before the onset of menstruation, from time to time there is an excess production of female hormones - estrogens. Normally they act positively, under their influence femininity and beauty are preserved. The skin looks smooth and velvety. A lack of estrogen causes problems, as does an excess. If there is an excess amount, the following symptoms are observed:

irritability;
breast tenderness;
headaches;
decreased performance;
swelling;
severe hair loss;
development of tumors.

You can determine the level of estrogen by external signs: rounded body features, thin waist, healthy-looking skin. Before menstruation, a second substance is also produced - progesterone. Its changes in the body provoke swelling. If there is a decrease in it, then the second substance begins to predominate, provoking the appearance of the above symptoms. Some time after the start of the cycle, the swelling subsides.

Reasons for increased estrogen:

synthetic estrogens are found in everyday things: plastic containers, some shampoos, cosmetics;
oral contraceptives have been taken for a long time;
unhealthy diet, phytoestrogens contained in some foods will help normalize: legumes, dairy, coffee, vegetables - pumpkin, tomatoes, carrots and red grapes;
excess weight: fats, when decomposing, release the enzyme aromatose, which is converted by the adrenal glands into estrogens;
they contain some chemicals: insect poison, paints;
bad habits: smoking and alcohol provoke swelling of the body;
lack of useful microelements and vitamins;
long-term stressful conditions;
medications, a sedentary lifestyle and certain diseases: inflammation of the liver, intestines and problems with the bile ducts.

Animal fats contain huge amounts of estrogen. Manufacturers began making feed additives to speed up the growth of livestock.

How does swelling manifest itself?

The premenstrual period for most girls is painful and is characterized by the development of swelling.

Before menstruation, in most cases, the legs, mammary glands, and peritoneum swell: much less often, the tumor affects the upper limbs.

A few days before the onset of the critical days, swelling spreads to the facial tissues, which leads to the formation of bags under the eyes, and they can. In addition to the fact that the body swells, excess fluid contributes to an increase in body weight: on average, a girl, being in the premenstrual period, gains 1-2 kg.

Accompanied by painful sensations, which explains the decrease in performance. Swelling of the chest and peritoneum also provokes the development of pain, which is aggravated by the deterioration of the girl’s general condition.

Treatment methods

What to do to avoid stagnation of intercellular fluid, and how to get rid of edema if it was not possible to prevent its formation?

The most effective measure to prevent swelling is the use of medications, and folk remedies can be used as an auxiliary method.

Medicines

If swelling is observed exclusively during menstruation, the gynecologist prescribes the drug Veroshpiron to the patient, which has a mild diuretic effect and stimulates the process of fluid removal. If there are contraindications to taking the medicine, it can be replaced by using lingonberries or cranberries.

other .

Swelling that persists for a long time is an indication for diagnosis. During the examination, the doctor will determine the cause of swelling of body parts and select the optimal medication. Swelling as a result of a hormonal disorder is eliminated by taking hormones, a neurological disorder by taking sedatives, and inflammation by taking antibiotics. Edema caused by vascular diseases must be combated by using medications with a vetonizing effect (the appearance of the product packages and their names in the gallery below).

Traditional therapy

To get rid of premenstrual edema, it is recommended to use the following folk remedies:

masks made from chilled milk, egg whites or sour cream;
chilled compresses made from green tea, natural coffee, and chamomile infusion;
salt baths help eliminate swelling of the limbs;
hand massage using an antiseptic decoction.

A decoction of bay leaves helps relieve swelling. To prepare it, you need to pour 500 ml of boiling water into three small leaves and infuse the drug for three hours. After the decoction is ready, it is taken three times a day, 100 ml.

Another effective remedy for swelling is a decoction of rose hips and lingonberries. The recipe is simple: the fruits of two plants are mixed in a 1:1 ratio, 500 ml of boiling water is poured in and simmered over low heat for 15 minutes. Next, the liquid needs to be cooled and filtered: the finished decoction is taken twice a day in a volume of 150 ml.

Fighting puffy eyes

Swelling that changes the face can be removed with lotions based on natural products and herbal preparations. Chamomile inflorescences brewed in boiling water are applied to swollen areas for 10 minutes. This method will help in preventing wrinkles.

Green tea bags chilled in the refrigerator or pieces of ice wrapped in a cloth effectively remove swelling. You can fight on your own only if you are sure there are no diseases. The face swells as a result of kidney problems.

Women over 30 years of age are most susceptible to swelling during menstruation. In younger people, metabolic processes in the body occur faster, so they are less susceptible to sudden changes in weight. Difficulties come from cycles without ovulation. Over the years, their number increases and by the age of 40 it can reach 10 times a year. The hormonal balance is disrupted, causing a change in the proportions of estrogens and progesterones.

Swelling of the legs is observed for the same reasons as the abdomen and face. The feet, shins, and ankles are susceptible to swelling. A sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition take their toll. Oddly enough, swelling is relieved by increasing water consumption. It should not be boiled, such liquid will only contribute to the accumulation of moisture.

You should choose filtered or purchased one containing minerals. Together with urine, the liquid will wash away excess salt and minerals from the body and release the water that they were retaining.

Compression hosiery helps in the fight against swelling, pain in the legs and venous diseases. Stockings are worn all the time while on your feet. The attractive appearance of the latest models allows you to wear them in the summer without feeling embarrassed. If one leg swells, you will need to be examined by a doctor.

Measures to relieve swelling and alternative methods

Additional measures to prevent leg swelling:

Edema is effectively relieved by blueberry leaves, grape seed juice and dandelion.
Cool salt or herbal foot baths relieve symptoms.
In hot weather, it is better to avoid wearing high heels. Comfortable low shoes will relieve additional stress on your feet.
Walking barefoot on sand or grass has a beneficial effect.
You should not remain motionless for a long time.
If you are prone to swelling, drink only clear liquid. Tea with sugar, coffee and carbonated drinks retain water in the body.
Wellness foot massage is the optimal solution to problems.
While lying on the bed, place a cushion under your feet.

Venotonics can be used against edema. They normalize blood circulation and promote blood outflow. Among them are: heparin ointment, troxevasin and the drug venitan.

A pleasant foot massage with ice will restore the health of the skin and relieve fatigue. Oils or herbs are added to the ice. There are many non-medical recipes: rubbing your feet with a mixture of turpentine, egg yolk and apple cider vinegar. Edema will be reduced by the use of kidney tea, infusion of birch or grape leaves.

Swelling goes away during menstruation in a few days. If the swelling is prolonged or periodic from one cycle to another, it is better to consult a doctor to examine the condition of the body.

How to prevent edema

To avoid the development of swelling during the premenstrual period, a girl needs to adjust her lifestyle: eat right and exercise. To increase the effect, it is allowed to take medications and use traditional methods.

Correction of lifestyle and nutrition

Since excess adipose tissue in the body stimulates the production of estrogen, a woman needs to eat a balanced diet: replace fried foods with fresh vegetables and fruits. Products containing vitamin B - pumpkin seeds, dairy products, meat, and lettuce - have a positive effect on the female body.

In order to activate the diuretic effect, the girl should regularly engage in sports - yoga, fitness or swimming. During physical activity, it is recommended to replenish fluid deficiency: dehydration will not reduce the risk of swelling, but, on the contrary, will cause an imbalance in water balance.

With the help of drugs

To prevent swelling, the following medications are used:

Oral contraceptives contain hormones, which relieve the pastiness of soft tissues. Duphaston is considered to be the most effective drug.
The drug Parlodel is aimed at normalizing prolactin levels.
The diuretic drug Veroshpiron accelerates the process of fluid removal.
It is advisable to take vitamin complexes if swelling is a symptom of a weakened immune system.

For minor manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, it is recommended to take homeopathic medicines – Mastodinon or Cyclodinone – as a preventive medication.

Folk remedies

If there are contraindications to taking medications, it is allowed to use a herbal decoction for preventive purposes. To prepare it, calendula, mint, lemon balm and chamomile are mixed and thoroughly crushed. Two tablespoons of the resulting raw material are steamed with 500 ml of water and the liquid is infused for one hour. The finished decoction is recommended to be taken twice a day, 25 ml.

Swelling before menstruation occurs in almost every woman. They can appear both in separate areas of the body, and affect only some parts of it. Why this happens, what affects these processes, and what measures exist to get rid of unpleasant symptoms - we’ll talk about this in our material.

Causes of swelling during and before menstruation

The cause of swelling can be anything, and there is a lot of controversy about this. All of them can only approximately explain the manifestation of edema. In addition to edema, during PMS women may experience neuropsychiatric disorders, cephalgic disorders, etc.

Let's consider the main causes of edema and fluid retention in the body, which doctors talk about.

Excess estrogen

This is the main hormonal reason that can cause swelling in various parts of the body during PMS. Excess female sex hormone can also provoke other ailments. Due to an excess of this hormone, fluid is retained in the body, swelling appears on the face, chest, or throughout the body.

Lack of estrogen

It can also “cause” premenstrual swelling, negatively affect overall health, and provoke a lack of progesterone. Together, these problems make the situation even worse.

Prolactin

According to research, it promotes sodium retention, which also leads to the accumulation of excess fluid. But, even if this hormone remains within normal limits, a person may experience banal sensitivity to this hormone, which contributes to the occurrence of edema.

Other reasons

Constant stress, nervous breakdowns, heart disease, and blood pressure problems lead to an excess of ACTH, the pituitary hormone. The result is reabsorption of fluid by the kidneys.

Immunodeficiency, vitamin imbalance, and zinc deficiency can act indirectly, leading to improper production of biologically active substances. The result is general malaise and swelling.

Why edema can appear before menstruation (and in most women) is a question that has not been thoroughly studied. But doctors clearly identify certain categories of women who are most susceptible to this “effect”:

Overweight (fat deposits are sources of estrogen);
Those with kidney, heart and liver disease;
People over 40 years of age or at the age of stopping the menstrual cycle.

Why does swelling occur?

The occurrence of edema before the onset of menstruation is influenced by fluctuations in the levels of various female hormones. There are also a number of additional factors that contribute to fluid retention in the body. Most of them are associated with violations of the rules of a healthy lifestyle. Abuse of salty foods, lack of activity, and smoking increase the negative manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

Excess estrogen

The main cause of edema is a strong increase in the level of estrogen in the blood before menstruation. An excess of this hormone affects water-salt metabolism and promotes sodium retention in tissues. The body's natural reaction to excess salt is an influx of moisture to the mucous membranes in order to dissolve the excess. Excess fluid quickly spreads through the fatty tissue, creating a feeling of swelling and heaviness in a woman.

Lack of progesterone

Before menstruation, the level of progesterone, the hormone responsible for the renewal of the endometrium of the uterus, decreases significantly. This substance also helps remove sodium from tissues, and its deficiency contributes to unwanted salt accumulation. A lack of progesterone combined with an excess of estrogen leads to salt retention and excess fluid accumulation. A woman’s body reacts to this phenomenon with swelling of various parts.

Prolactin

Prolactin also affects salt metabolism. It is not necessary to have an excess of this hormone for edema to occur. Moisture retention occurs as a result of increased sensitivity of fatty tissue to its effects. This reaction is due to the individual characteristics of the woman’s body.

Other reasons

The appearance of edema is facilitated by changes in quantitative indicators and other hormones. Secretory activity is an interdependent system, and fluctuations in one group lead to a general imbalance. In addition to internal causes, edema is provoked by the lifestyle that a woman leads, especially immediately before her period. Poor nutrition, which does not enrich the body with essential vitamins and minerals, is one of the significant factors causing swelling. Bad habits and poor sleep have a negative impact on the functioning of the organs responsible for the secretion of hormones.

How does swelling manifest itself?

Most often, during PMS, women experience complete swelling of the face or certain parts of it. At the same time, a weight gain of 2-3 kg is clearly visible. The body becomes pasty and heavy. If only certain parts of the face swell before menstruation, then serious discomfort and pressure will be felt in these areas.

Often a woman may complain of swelling and pain in the chest area. Along with this syndrome, an increase in the waist. This problem can become more complicated and even lead to bloating.

If the body completely swells, then the problem can be either purely individual in nature or be a sign of serious diseases not related to PMS. Moreover, even the eyes can become swollen.

Why do breasts swell?

What is the most common reason for breast swelling before menstruation? Such swelling occurs in almost 93% of all cases. But discomfort can manifest itself in completely different ways:

Some experience only mild breast swelling;
Someone feels severe or tolerable pain in the nipples;
Others complain of simply unbearable pain throughout the chest;
Still others may suffer from enlarged mammary glands;
Etc.

It doesn’t matter what kind of sensations a woman experiences in the chest area during the second half of the cycle - this is a normal reaction that manifests itself due to physiological characteristics.

After menstruation, 12-14 days later, ovulation occurs. During this period, sex hormones begin to be actively produced. And without this process, pregnancy will simply be impossible.

The uterine walls change their structure in order to be able to accept a fertilized egg, and the fatty masses of the mammary glands accumulate more and more. Therefore, sharp sensitivity appears in the area of the mammary glands.

If conception does not occur, then gradually the level of hormones that are responsible for its normal course gradually begins to fall. Gradually all unpleasant symptoms disappear.

Conclusion: swelling in the breast area before menstruation is normal, and it can manifest itself differently in each woman. Doctors note that if the symptoms are tolerable, then nothing should be done. Otherwise, they may prescribe pain medications.

Legs become swollen

If your legs swell before menstruation, the reasons can also be very diverse. The most common of them is problems with removing salts from the body.

The first thing to do in such a situation is to eat less sweet, salty and starchy foods. It is better to drink as much fluid as possible to help the body eliminate salts.

Fluid retention can also cause uncomfortable swelling in the lower extremities. Insufficient levels of magnesium or vitamin B6 in the body are other common causes.

They are followed by venous diseases, problems with the functioning of any internal organs and systems, as well as taking certain medications or side effects that occur as a result of them.

So, if you notice that before your period your legs often begin to swell, then you should consult a doctor, undergo the necessary examinations, and identify the cause of this problem.

How to get rid of swelling during menstruation

Knowing your body and its manifestations against the background of menstruation, it is better to prevent the occurrence of edema and other unpleasant symptoms. Only a doctor can determine qualified methods for eliminating diseases.

But often there are no problems with the body, and swelling with unpleasant sensations is only an individual reaction of the body that occurs during PMS. What to do in this case, and how to deal with these problems?

Medications

The “lightest” drugs are a diuretic, for example, Veroshpiron. The medicine will help to quickly remove fluid from the body, thereby relieving swelling of certain parts of the body.

In addition to this drug, you can buy a lot of harmless herbs at the pharmacy, which also have a diuretic effect.

Traditional methods

Proven folk methods for getting rid of swelling before menstruation:

If the area under the eyes is swollen, you can apply green tea bags to these places;
You can soak cotton swabs in milk after placing small ice cubes in them. Such lotions should be placed on the eyelids;
Egg white can also be a good helper in this problem. It needs to be beaten well and applied to the area of facial swelling;
Parsley (both fresh and frozen) can also come in handy. It needs to be cut into small pieces, mixed with sour cream, and a face mask made from these ingredients;
For swelling of the legs on the eve of menstruation, you can prepare cubes with coffee and chamomile, after which each person can clean their legs with them;
A solution of salt mixed with iodine and soda can also relieve swelling of the legs. You can make baths out of it;
Infusions of chamomile, rose hips, lingonberries, etc. will help relieve swelling;

One of the most effective recipes with bay leaves: you need to pour boiling water over several pieces of the leaf, leave for 3 hours, and drink 100 ml three times every day.

Fighting puffy eyes

Women over 30 years of age are most susceptible to swelling during menstruation. In younger people, the body's metabolic processes proceed faster, so they are less susceptible to sudden changes in weight. Difficulties come from cycles without ovulation. Over the years, their number grows and by the age of 40 it can reach 10 times per year. The hormonal balance is disrupted, causing a change in the proportions of estrogens and progesterones.

Swelling of the legs during menstruation occurs for the same reasons as swelling of the abdomen and face. The feet, shins, and ankles are susceptible to swelling. A sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition take their toll. Oddly enough, swelling is relieved by increasing water consumption. It should not be boiled, such liquid will only contribute to the accumulation of moisture.

You should choose filtered or purchased one containing minerals. Together with urine, the liquid will wash away excess salt and minerals from the body and release the water that they retained.

Compression hosiery helps in the fight against swelling, leg pain, and venous diseases. Stockings are worn all the time while on your feet. The attractive appearance of the latest models allows you to wear them in the summer without feeling embarrassed. If one leg swells, you will need to be examined by a doctor.

Cool salt or herbal foot baths relieve symptoms of swelling during menstruation.
In hot weather, it is better to avoid wearing high heels, also during menstruation. Comfortable low shoes will relieve additional stress on your feet.
You should not remain motionless for a long time.
If you are prone to swelling, drink only clear liquid. Tea with sugar, coffee and carbonated drinks retain water.
While lying on the bed, place a cushion under your feet, it helps relieve swelling and pain.

Venotonics can be used against edema. They normalize blood circulation and promote blood outflow. Among them are: heparin ointment, troxevasin and the drug venitan.

A pleasant foot massage with ice will restore the health of the skin and relieve fatigue. Oils or herbs are added before freezing. There are many non-medical recipes: rubbing your feet with a mixture of turpentine, egg yolk and apple cider vinegar. Edema will be reduced by the use of kidney tea, infusion of birch or grape leaves.

During menstruation, some women experience swelling in the abdomen and legs. The total weight fluctuates, the increase can be several kilograms. After a few days, the symptoms disappear. How to deal with this and what to do to prevent recurrence?

Physical changes cause a lot of inconvenience: the sizes of clothes and shoes do not fit. The mood changes, the stomach swells, the chest swells. Discomfort gives rise to outbursts of anger or depressive moods. You can often observe swelling under the eyes in the morning. The face also swells.

Lifestyle and nutrition

This is trivial, but a properly balanced diet, in which healthy dishes predominate, will also help cope with swelling of different parts of the body before menstruation.

Products rich in vitamins A, B and C deserve the most attention. Meat, fish, pumpkin seeds, leafy salads, dairy products are the basis for women’s health.

If you exercise moderately, this will also allow the body to remove excess fluid faster. But it is strictly forbidden to reduce your drinking regimen, so as not to lead to dehydration.

Almost any physical exercise stimulates intestinal peristalsis and diuresis, which, in turn, affects the speed of the urge to urinate. Sport helps balance the nervous system, which helps establish connections between tissues and organs, and puts hormonal balance in order.

It is important to pay attention to excess weight, since when it is overweight, fats accumulate in the body, which can be the main cause of swelling before menstruation.

Swelling before menstruation is one of a number of signs that occur in the weaker half of humanity in the second half of the menstrual cycle. These symptoms are combined into a single name “premenstrual syndrome”. The changes that occur in a woman during this period are caused by hormonal fluctuations. As a rule, the changes that occur to a woman during this period are far from pleasing to her, but rather, on the contrary, interfere with the normal course of life and contribute to the deterioration of her general condition. Almost every woman knows what swelling before menstruation is. Often. According to statistics, every third representative of the fair sex experiences breast swelling before menstruation. However, this does not mean that other parts of the body can also swell.

Preventing swelling before menstruation

But it is most effective to combat the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome in advance. You should definitely undergo an examination by specialists, since ordinary edema may hide a serious pathology, for example, renal failure.

Each has its own disadvantages and advantages, but it is more effective to use complex treatment. Another time-tested tip will tell you how to get rid of swelling before menstruation.

Lifestyle and nutrition

No matter how trivial it may sound, proper nutrition, enriched with fresh fruits and vegetables, helps a woman fight edema, among other things. Particular attention should be paid to vitamins B, A, C and zinc. A large amount of them is found in lettuce leaves, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, meat and dairy products. Therefore, any woman’s diet should always contain these ingredients.

Dosed physical activity will also help remove excess fluid from the body. But under no circumstances should you limit your drinking regime, otherwise you may become dehydrated. Any physical exercise stimulates diuresis and intestinal motility in any woman, therefore, as a rule, after training, the urge to go to the toilet always appears quickly.

Sport also balances the nervous system, and this establishes connections between tissues and organs and balances a woman’s hormonal profile. After all, excess estrogen and lack of gestagens are the main cause of the development of edema.

Causes of swelling before menstruation

Puffiness is the most common form of premenstrual syndrome. There are a number of theories about why this condition develops before the menstrual cycle is due to begin. However, they are all very approximate.

The most common assumption about the cause of swelling on the eve of the period when menstruation should begin is the excess of estrogen in the female body. After all, the answer to the question: why do I swell before my period lies solely in the imbalance of such hormones? As you know, female sex hormones contribute to sodium retention, as a result of which fluid accumulates in the body.

Along with estrogen, progesterone also plays a significant role in swelling before menstruation. As a rule, against the background of excess estrogen, a lack of progesterone develops. As a result, there is also swelling before a woman starts her period, which causes a lot of discomfort for the woman. Experts have proven that prolactin also contributes to sodium retention in the body, which, as is already known, results in fluid retention in the body.

Stress and excessive psycho-emotional stress contribute to the breakdown of relationships at the level of brain activity, resulting in excessive production of ACTH, which, in turn, leads to the reverse process of fluid absorption in the kidneys. Swelling in a woman on the eve of a new cycle can also be observed due to an imbalance and deficiency of vitamins.

So, until today it has not been possible to determine the true cause of swelling before menstruation. However, there are conditions in women that most contribute to the appearance of swelling within the so-called premenstrual syndrome:

Excess body weight, as a result of which adipose tissue promotes greater production of female sex hormones - estrogens.
Existing chronic pathologies of the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system.
Women over 40 years of age or women during menopause.

Why does swelling occur before menstruation?

Estrogens, sex hormones produced by ovarian follicles, are considered the main “culprits,” although no specific evidence has been received: it is assumed that they retain sodium in the cells and fluid is also retained - hence the swelling. At the same time, it is rarely mentioned that estrogen levels are high not before menstruation itself, when swelling appears, but in the middle of the cycle.

It is also believed that at this time the level of progesterone, a hormone produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary and performing many functions, drops (progesterone is responsible for the normal cycle, endometrial renewal and the ability to become pregnant; removes excess sodium, having a diuretic effect). Before the onset of menstruation, the level of progesterone increases and decreases before the onset of menstruation; During menstruation, the body produces very little of it. However, swelling also goes away with the onset of menstruation; Progesterone cannot be “blamed for everything,” but it is still generally accepted that a decrease in its level contributes to the accumulation of sodium.

At the same time, prolactin, which is responsible for the production of breast milk, “comes onto the scene”: the egg is ripe, which means it is necessary to act. It can also retain fluid, especially if the cells are sensitive to it.

Another hormone, ACTH, affects the production of estrogen and progesterone, and during stress the pituitary gland produces more of it: this also has something to do with fluid retention.

The other side is associated with a lack of vitamins and minerals and an excess of harmful substances, but this topic is too broad. Let us briefly recall: in many women, PMS manifests itself in an increase in appetite (this is normal - the body “reserves” in case of pregnancy) and an exacerbation of taste preferences. Modern people have a lot of the latter, with an abundance of all sorts of “sweets” and ready-made products: it’s easy to get used to and difficult to give up.

Often, before menstruation, women “allow” themselves spicy and salty, smoked and fatty foods: the body is already prone to swelling, and then there are these “supplements”. Sweets and fatty milk, baked goods and canned marinades also contribute to the accumulation of water - especially against the background of often “eating” during manifestations of PMS.

At the same time, you don’t want to move, there is a desire to “lie down in a warm hole” - also “intended by nature” - and feast on something: activity decreases - fluid is retained in the tissues.

Another opinion, not without foundation: by accumulating, the liquid protects the female body from dehydration, which is possible due to blood loss during menstruation - nature also took care of it. Nutrients are also removed with the blood - for example, and: a protective mechanism does not seem superfluous.

How to eliminate swelling before menstruation

Knowing about this manifestation of the body’s properties a few days before the onset of menstruation, you can try to eliminate this form of premenstrual syndrome. Only a doctor can determine the most effective treatment regimen, depending on the individual characteristics of each woman. However, there are a number of recommendations that will resolve the issue of how to quickly relieve swelling before the onset of menstruation.

To begin with, experts recommend taking mild diuretics. An example of the latter is Veroshpiron. This drug has the effect of increasing the removal of fluid from a woman’s body, as a result of which the swelling of the tissues disappears. In addition to taking medications, you can resort to the help of medicinal herbs that have diuretic properties, for example, lingonberries or cranberries.

A very common situation is when a woman’s legs swell before the start of her menstrual cycle. Swelling of the legs before menstruation is caused and therefore should not bother a woman. However, before taking any action to relieve swelling, you should consult your doctor. This is necessary in order to identify other possible causes of swelling, for example, the development of some pathology. In order to reduce swelling, the doctor may recommend increasing the volume of drinking water consumed, which will remove excess salts from the body that contribute to fluid retention in the body. In this case, the advice to reduce salt consumption both on the eve of a new menstrual cycle and during menstruation is relevant. Compression stockings and foot massage also help in the fight against swelling of the legs before the onset of menstruation.

As for the mammary glands, oral contraceptives help relieve breast swelling on the eve of menstruation.

Only a gynecologist can help you choose the right drug for a woman. It is this specialist, taking into account all the characteristics of the body, who will be able to choose the most suitable oral contraceptives for the woman.

In addition to the use of oral contraceptives, on the eve of menstruation it is necessary to limit or completely eliminate salty foods and coffee from the diet.

Swelling before menstruation - what to do?

It is possible, but you would have to radically change your lifestyle - in particular, it would be good to take a rest for a few days before your period. Not everyone will be able to stay away from work at this time, but it is quite possible to improve water-salt metabolism: swelling will be either insignificant or almost unnoticeable.

Add more clean water to your diet, up to 1.5-2 liters depending on your body type, but try to drink less in the 2nd half of the day; sodium will dissolve and be removed from the tissues. and it will help too; It’s better not to drink coffee yet, despite its diuretic effect: there will be more harm than good.

It is better to structure the diet so that there are no excesses at all, but at least a week before menstruation, remove foods that upset the balance: smoked meats, fried foods, animal fats, sweets, reduce the amount of salt, add more fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs, like, and fennel. If you are overweight, this is especially important: the caloric content of your diet needs to be reduced.

Gymnastics and walking will also protect against swelling. Exercise calmly and regularly: this will help the normal functioning of all organs and systems. It is useful to swim or just take a warm (not hot!) bath: urination will increase. But arrange or tough

Physical changes cause a lot of inconvenience: the sizes of things and shoes do not fit. The mood changes, the stomach swells, the chest swells. Discomfort gives rise to outbursts of anger or depressive moods. You can often observe swelling under the eyes in the morning. The face also swells.

features of the female body;
hormonal changes against the background of complications.

Before the onset of menstruation, from time to time there is an excess production of female hormones - estrogens. They can cause swelling. Normally they act positively, under their influence femininity and beauty are preserved. The skin looks smooth and velvety. A lack of estrogen causes problems, as does an excess of it. If there is an excess amount, the following symptoms are observed:

irritability;
breast tenderness;
headaches;
decreased performance due to high blood pressure;
swelling before the onset of menstruation;
severe hair loss;
development of tumors.

Reasons for the increase in estrogen during menstruation, resulting in the formation of edema:

unhealthy diet, phytoestrogens contained in some foods will help normalize: legumes, dairy, coffee, vegetables - pumpkin, tomatoes, carrots, red grapes;
excess weight: consumed fats before and during menstruation, decomposing, release the enzyme aromatosis, which is converted by the adrenal glands into estrogens;
bad habits: smoking, alcohol provoke swelling of the body;

A consultation with a gynecologist or endocrinologist will be a support in finding the right approach to remove a swollen belly or face during menstruation. It is important to establish the true cause and prevent swelling by following simple rules:

you can use red wine (but not during menstruation), reduces estrogen levels when consumed for a month, swelling becomes less pronounced;

Before your period starts, change your diet. Flour, sugar and saltiness are excluded. It is recommended to take diuretics consciously: you should not take them in the heat or in a heart condition. Replace coffee and black tea with herbal infusions. They relieve swelling very quickly naturally.

Folk recipes

Along with traditional methods, alternative methods, for example, taking medicinal herbs, can also help fight swelling. However, before taking any action, you must agree with your doctor.

Do not forget that medicinal herbs that have diuretic properties cannot be taken simultaneously with diuretic medications.

This will significantly enhance the therapeutic effect, as a result of which significant damage can be caused to the woman’s body. The following medicinal herbs can help in the fight against swelling before menstruation:

Blueberry leaves have excellent antitoxic and diuretic properties. It must be remembered that the combination of this drug with the use of blood-thinning medications should be excluded.
Grape seed extract also has excellent anti-edematous properties.
Dandelion flowers are the most potent diuretic. This drug should not be taken simultaneously with medical diuretics and blood-thinning drugs. The use of this plant is also prohibited for diagnosed gallbladder diseases.

Swelling before the onset of the menstrual cycle is a fairly common and at the same time unpleasant condition, causing a feeling of great discomfort to a large number of representatives of the fair sex. However, if such a condition occurs, you should not panic, because this condition can be considered the norm with rare exceptions. And nowadays there are many ways to avoid or at least reduce swelling on the eve of menstruation. Along with them, a special diet and physical activity will significantly improve your well-being and minimize the above form of manifestation of premenstrual syndrome.