[doubtingJulia]

So I got my period this week (or TOM as I must learn to call it on this forum) and I also started exercising in earnest this week. I'm told that these are both common causes of water retention.

So my question is: what exactly is this dread thing called water retention? How bad does it get? How long does it last?

I'm kind of getting nervous for my weigh in on Sunday now

[nationalparker]

Breath easy - your muscle fibers will retain water (and the amount depends on the individual) and some, not all, women retain water leading into their cycle. Just keep on drinking your water and it'll come off before long - just our bodies doing what they need to do to keep us chugging along.

[djs06]

The best thing you can do is make sure to stay hydrated. I've also personally found that having a lemon per day in my water helps with water retention a lot. And if your weigh in is on Sunday, you will probably be rid of a good bit of it by then, so don't stress!

[blancheneige]

I get bloated a few days before my period and it lasts a few days after my period, before it completely goes away. If I'm doing very well during my period, I can expect to lose the water weight and then some after the bloating is gone. Don't get discouraged by the number on the scale, especially when you have your period. There are times when I don't lose an ounce for over a week, and then suddenly I lose 4 lbs in a few days. It happens.