PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome, affects many women with undesirable side effects like bloating/water weight gain, fatigue, and cramps. Among the most bothersome of those symptoms is the swelling that comes along with water weight gain. Prior to your period, your body anticipates the fluid loss and attempts to hold onto excess fluid, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. With a few simple steps, however, you can decrease this swelling.
Instructions
1. Take a diuretic as soon as you notice swelling.
Over-the-counter diuretics help your body to eliminate excess fluid by increasing your urine output. This can be especially useful during and before your menstrual period. Brand names like Diurex are available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or department store and are relatively inexpensive. Some formulations of other popular medications that are tailored just for PMS symptoms like Pamprin and Midol may also contain mild diuretics that can help to alleviate period-related water retention.
2. Avoid excessive salt intake.
Especially in the week before your period, cut back on your sodium intake drastically. Salt can exacerbate water retention and swelling, so that in combination with PMS is a recipe for water retention disaster.
3. Elevate your feet and legs when you are resting or sleeping.
Since excess water weight always seems to travel south to your lower extremities, elevating your feet and legs above your heart can help if you have problems with swollen ankles during PMS.
4. Take a form of chemical contraception such as a birth control pill.
If you have problems with water retention in addition to other annoying PMS symptoms on a regular basis, try regulating your period and hormones by taking birth control pills. For some women, birth control pills can alleviate the symptoms of PMS, including water retention.
