Weight Gain During Ovulation: Why It Happens & How to Manage It

Weight gain is a legitimate concern for many people all over the world. Many women experience weight gain during ovulation. This is because of bloating, although this is temporary in nature. This mid cycle weight gain can be a puzzling experience, particularly if you are following the same diet and exercise routine.

It is important that you understand the correlation between ovulation and weight gain as physiological changes take place during this phase. During your menstrual cycle, your hormone levels are affected. This causes fluid retention in your body and makes you more bloated during certain phases of your periods. Bloating does not happen to everyone. So, if you do not get bloated during ovulation, there is no need to worry.

1. Signs of Ovulation
2. How to Manage Weight Gain During Ovulation?

Ordinarily, ovulation takes place 12 to 16 days after your period begins. However, the regularity and length of your menstrual cycle play a role in its occurrence. It is important to recognise the signs of ovulation as it can provide insight into your body’s rhythm and better explain the physical changes taking place. These changes include weight gain and bloating. Read on to learn more:

• Change in Cervical Mucus: When you are ovulating, your cervical mucus may be clear, slippery, and stretchy, akin to raw egg whites. You may experience more discharge prior to ovulation.

• Basal Body Temperature Increase: After ovulation, you will notice an increase in your basal body temperature (BBT) by 1°F. This refers to your body temperature when you wake up in the morning.

• Mittelschmerz or Ovulation Pain: You may experience a sharp twinge of pain in your pelvic area. Mittelschmerz or ovulation pain is not necessarily a cause for concern, but severe pain could signal another health condition. If severe pain persists, you must consult a doctor.

• Increased Libido and Energy Levels: Some women experience a higher libido while ovulating. This could be because of an increase in testosterone and oestrogen levels.

• Bleeding or Spotting: Women who are ovulating experience spotting or bleeding. Usually, ovulation bleeding happens to be bright red or pink in colour. As per a study done by the National Institute of Health, about 5 per cent of people bleed while they ovulate. Although this is uncommon, it is not a cause for concern. Always has a range of sanitary pads and panty liners that would do you a world of good on days when you have bleeding or spotting. The Always Platinum Ultra Thin Pads have a neutralising technology that locks odour and an extra absorbent core. Meanwhile, the breathable and feminine design of the Always Extra Protect panty liners gives you the protection you need. Moreover, its extra-long size gives you worry-free coverage.

• Tender chest: Some women also find that they have swollen breasts or sore nipples when they are ovulating.

You must understand why women gain weight during ovulation if you wish to efficiently manage challenges. Mid-cycle weight gain may be temporary but there are a few causes and management strategies you can bear in mind:

• Water Intake: You can increase your water intake and ease fluid retention. Doing so flushes out extra salt in your body and promotes healthy bowel movements, reducing bloating and belly fat during ovulation.

• Exercise: It is important for good heart health and staying healthy in general. It can help your body regulate hormones and do away with excess fluids. Exercising regularly can also improve your mood and help with emotional symptoms.

• Protein and fibre intake: You must eat plenty of protein and fibre to balance your hormones and keep your gut health healthy. You may experience constipation during menstrual cycles. If you increase your fibre intake you can have easier bowel movements and possibly avoid ovulation weight gain.

• Carbohydrate Cravings: If you want to decrease bloating it is better to cut back on salt and carbs. These foods make your body hold onto excess fluid. So, it is best to limit salty snacks and refined carbs and choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables to avoid bloating and weight gain during ovulation.

During ovulation, gaining weight is rather common. It does not necessarily denote any underlying health conditions. Bloating is not a cause for concern either. However, there are certain instances when you must see a healthcare professional:

• Severe or Persistent Weight Gain: If you experience a consistent 5 pound weight gain during ovulation and it is not resolved after ovulation or is accompanied by severe weight gain, then you may want to consult a doctor.

• Physical symptoms: If you experience symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, cold or clammy skin, fever, light-headedness, heavy vaginal bleeding and severe pelvic pain, you must rush to a doctor and have yourself tested.

These symptoms could just as well be the sign of a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion. When an ovary and at times a fallopian tube gets twisted, it results in cutting off blood supply. This is called ovarian torsion and can lead to a loss of the ovary.

Ovulation can bring about numerous physical changes, including mid cycle weight gain. This is extremely normal and does not warrant worrying of any kind. However, if you are experiencing bloating coupled with severe pain, you must seek medical consultation. If you have found this article helpful, please go ahead and share it with anyone who may need this information.

Also, check out the Always Ovulation Calendar to keep track of your ovulation.

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