does anyone know approx. how much water weight you gain when you have your period so i dont go ballistic when i step on the scale? also, how long does the water weight stay there? does it go right away after your period has stopped?

All the questions you asked really vary a lot from one person to the next. Some don't gain anything but I have heard others say they gain up to 8 lbs. Some lose it immediately, some don't for a week or so. The bottom line is don't worry about fluctuations in your weight no matter what the reason. I would only worry if you saw an "upward trend" that didn't come back down in a couple of weeks.

my advice is to stay off the scale while you have your period. i am one of the lucky ones that doesnt retain water during that time of the month but as the other lady here, said, others can gain a lot, i have heard 4-5lbs. just stay off the scale so you dont get sidetracked by disappointment.

Kim

I gain about 5 pounds during that TOM. I have to agree, just avoid the scale.

I usually gain 1-2lbs for the week and it is gone by the following week - but then it does vary from person to person.

To minimize the affect I minimize my salt intake - no pretzels, Triscuits or other salty foods which I tend to crave around that time and I drink lots of water.

I'm one of those really unlucky people ... 5-8lbs for me. I have to stay off the scale or else I'll be too disappointed even though I know whats up.

Before I got on the scale. My stomach's been crampy and I feel like a water balloon, but i got on the scale this morning anyway not realizing what was up. It was up by 7 lbs !!!!! I was so dissapointed that I almost stopped for a McGriddle at McDonalds on my way to work. Grrrrrrr

I have been thinking about this for a few days and maybe this is a stupid question... but when you retain water.. where is it? Is it in your belly, bladder, fat cells, muscles.. where?? I'm not sure that this matters very much but I am just curious.