For many women, the topic of weight gain is precarious. Particularly when weight fluctuates for seemingly no reason. We all know that our bodies feel more sensitive in the week leading up to menstruation. But did you know that your body changes during ovulation as well? For many women and people with ovaries, this might raise the question, "Do you weigh more during ovulation?"
Ovulation can cause a lot of changes in your body, but do you really weigh more during ovulation? Here's everything you need to know.
Let's dig into everything you need to know about ovulation weight gain, how to deal with ovulation symptoms, and when to visit a doctor.
Ovulation & Weight Gain
Ovulation is the stage of your menstrual cycle where an egg is released from your ovary. The egg moves down the fallopian tube, where it can either be fertilized and implant in the uterus, resulting in pregnancy, or remain unfertilized, triggering menstruation.
When you ovulate, your body undergoes many hormonal changes. Before ovulation, there is a steady rise in luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), triggering the release of an egg (ovulation). At the same time, there is a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in progesterone.
So, how do these hormonal changes make you gain weight during ovulation?
Yolandi Luther, a registered nurse, tells Kinkly, “Estrogen encourages water retention, which might make you feel a bit puffier than usual. On top of that, progesterone, which rises after ovulation, can slow down your digestive system, leading to bloating and constipation."
A 2023 study corroborates Luther's explanation. Researchers found that high luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels lead to water retention and bloating. The study documented water retention and bloating in 42 women, whose body weight increased by 0.450 kg during menstruation.
On average, the weight gain during ovulation, and throughout the menstrual cycle, was negligible. That being said, it is completely normal to see the number on the scale go up when you’re ovulating. The added weight is minimal, temporary, and generally not a sign of an underlying health condition.
For women with medical conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), who experience symptoms such as inflammation, PCOS belly or endo belly, bloating and water retention might be more intense. This could lead to a bit more weight gain throughout the menstrual cycle.
Signs of Ovulation
Ovulation happens on day 14 of the 28-day menstrual cycle. Some women tend to use the temperature method to keep track of when they are ovulating. However, a more definite and accurate way of tracking your cycle can be done with an ovulation predictor kit or the cervical mucus method.
The common signs of ovulation are bloating, minor cramps, higher body temperature, PMS, higher libido, and mood swings. Experiencing these symptoms is normal and temporary. That said, understanding what's going on with your body during your menstrual cycle is vital for maintaining your health.
Let's talk more about some of those pesky ovulation symptoms.
Mood Swings
Experiencing mood swings either before or during your period is quite common. But why do these mood fluctuations happen?
Before ovulation, your estrogen levels increase, resulting in an overall positive mood, high energy, and happiness. However, during your menstrual cycle, your estrogen levels drop, leading you to feel sad, irritable, more sensitive, and restless. You could also experience brain fog or "period brain."
Read More: ‘Period Brain’: Is It Really a Thing?
Breast Tenderness
Breast pain or mastodynia is another sign of ovulation. While it is unclear which hormone causes breast pain, it could be due to the increase in estrogen or the decrease in progesterone.
Mild Cramping
Mild cramps during ovulation or mittelschmerz usually happen on one side of your lower abdomen. The side that hurts typically indicates the ovary that released the egg.
These ovulation cramps are dull aches or twinges and are usually much less painful than menstrual cramps. However, people with endometriosis or PCOS may experience more intense cramping during ovulation.
Increased Libido:
When you’re ovulating, you're at your most fertile. The increase in LH during ovulation stimulates the production of testosterone, which is known to positively affect libido.
Easing the Bloat
And then there's the bloating. We already went over how this bloating is often behind weight gain during ovulation, or at least the appearance and feeling of weight gain. It's also just plain uncomfortable and frustrating.
Luckily, there are some easy things you can do to ease the ovulation bloat!
Exercise Regularly
We all know exercising has many health benefits. But did you know it can help with symptoms of PMS? A clinical trial conducted in 2018 showed that exercising helped reduce physical PMS symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, hot flashes, and bloating.
And even better, exercising releases endorphins, which improve your mood and reduce pain.
Change Your Diet for a Bit
Do you turn into a ravenous monster during ovulation? Believe us, we’ve all been there – those food cravings hit hard. It feels like your body is practically screaming for comfort foods, whether it's chocolate, salty snacks, or anything with carbs.
But we also know that opting for fresh food is the best option, as Luther points out: “You should limit your salt intake and avoid eating processed foods."
Ideally, you should also consider drinking more water and trying herbal remedies such as peppermint, ginger or dandelion root tea.
Read More: 5 Foods for Better Taste Below the Waist
Take Magnesium Supplements
Recently, there has been a lot of hype around the benefits of taking magnesium, specifically magnesium glycinate. There are good reasons, like a 2021 study that indicates magnesium can alleviate a number of PMS symptoms, including the water retention that leads to bloating and weight gain.
When to See a Doctor
Menstrual cycle weight fluctuations are quite common. In most cases, gaining a little bit of weight when you’re ovulating is no cause for worry or concern.
However, you should seek medical advice if you experience:
- Intense and unbearable pelvic pain around the abdomen and lower back
- Severe and prolonged bloating
- Unexplained weight fluctuations
- Difficulties conceiving
- Intense pain during ovulation
Even though these symptoms might not be severe, they could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, ruptured ovarian cyst, endometriosis, or even appendicitis.
The Bottom Line
While ovulation might not be the first thing you think of when your pants don't quite fit right, it can definitely cause some temporary weight fluctuations. Bloating, water retention, and an increase in appetite are all normal parts of the ovulation process.
Every woman experiences these symptoms differently. So, be kind to yourself. Luckily, these changes are normal and, most importantly, manageable. Staying hydrated, eating well, and getting regular exercise can help minimize the effects.
