Question for the ladies...

Hi, everybody! I have a question. Is it normal for me to put on 5-7 pounds during my period? I am not changing my diet or exercise habits at all. I am just retaining enormous amounts of water. My periods are also accompanied by excruciating headaches, backaches, cramps, and really bad mood swings, and they usually last a full week. Is this normal for a girl of 16?

Hey there-yes, weight gain is normal, and it can be different for every woman and different for every period. Some swelling and bloating is very common. I have gained any where from 2-10lbs before a cycle.  And if you are over-weight the symptoms can be worse. This I know from experience, since mine have gotten better with the more weight I have lost. Improved nutrition can also help. Are you normal? Yes, you are.  Talk to your ob/gyn. You are not too young to have a pap smear, and they can help you understand why you have alot of the side effects that you do. They can also recommend some things that you can do to help them.  Take care and Happy Spring.

Ugh! the GYN!!!! I have never been, but I guess it's pretty near time to bite the bullet and just go. BOOO!!! Thanks for the advice anyway.

Yep, time to go see a gyno. Most of them are fine to very informative and they'll have the best answers to your questions not to mention they can reassure you that you're normal or refer you for testing if they think there might be an issue.

I didn't go to the gyn until I was 26 and was forced to if I wanted to join the Peace Corps and I didn't have any problems.  In Japan, you are not required to visit the gyn until you are 30, want birth control, or get pregnant.  I wouldn't worry about it too much at this time in your life.

As for your period, it will probably be painful and unpredictable for the first several years.  I used to cramp up so bad I just wanted to lay in a fetal position.  Be sure to drink lots of water to help with the bloating and DON'T overdose on painkillers like tylenol or advil - try alternating them.  Also try raspberry tea, it has been used since the ancient days to help with cramping.  Traditional Medicinals is a really good brand for herbal teas (I use them for everything from the common cold to relieving constipation).  If you still can't function, talk to your regular family doctor - he'll be able to give you a prescription for the pain that won't make your stomach bleed (I took advil with  codeine for several years). 

The weight gain is normal and among us here at CC, the most hated aspect (aside from cramping).  It will go away with your period unless you are like me and want to stuff your face with everything in sight during that time.  I will usually stall in my weight loss during my period and the week before and as soon as it ends I drop a few pounds right away.