 | This article needs more reliable medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources, specifically: over-reliance on primary sources and some commercial sources. (August 2023) |  |
Premenstrual water retention (or premenstrual fluid retention) is the buildup of additional water or fluid in the body. This phenomenon can be seen in various forms like increasing weight gain and swollen belly, legs, or ankles. Water retention is a symptom felt by some women of all backgrounds before their menstruation onset and was listed as one of the most common premenstrual symptoms in addition to cramping and back pain.[1] There is a study that mentions the age effect being potentially linked to the intensity of symptoms, where the maximum symptom intensity was seen around age 35.[1] This symptom, among others, have been connected to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is experienced by women days before their menstrual cycle begins.[2][3] However, water retention itself can cause symptoms similar to those of PMS like body aches, headaches, and nausea. The actual duration of how long symptoms can last varies in length, from a few days to two weeks.[3]
Premenstrual water retention could be passed off as little weight gain before the start of a menstruation cycle, but should be carefully watched if weight is gained quickly within days. Water retention can cause serious consequences in people who have a kidney or cardiovascular disease and should take extra caution when experiencing this symptom.[4][5]
As of now, the actual cause of water retention remains unclear. It was noted that there is no correlation to serum levels of progesterone or estradiol according to actual data,[6] but it is thought to be caused by hormone changes during the menstrual cycle through high levels of circulating progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin, which stimulate secretory cells in the body.[7][8][9] It is also thought that diet may play a role in increased water retention, such as salt and magnesium consumption, and fluid intake.[10]
Although the cause is still unclear, there are ways to relieve or manage water retention and symptoms caused by it. These methods include both medication (like water pills) and non-medication (diet control) management.
- ^ a b Dennerstein L, Lehert P, Heinemann K (June 2012). "Epidemiology of premenstrual symptoms and disorders". Menopause International. 18 (2): 48–51. doi:10.1258/mi.2012.012013. PMID 22611221. S2CID 12975168.
- ^ [better source needed] "Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)". www.hopkinsmedicine.org. 2019-11-19. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
- ^ a b Yonkers KA, O'Brien PM, Eriksson E (April 2008). "Premenstrual syndrome". Lancet. 371 (9619): 1200–1210. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(08)60527-9. PMC 3118460. PMID 18395582.
- ^ [better source needed] "Fluid retention: What it can mean for your heart". Harvard Health. 2014-01-01. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
- ^ "Chronic kidney disease". www.nhsinform.scot. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
- ^ White CP, Hitchcock CL, Vigna YM, Prior JC (2011). "Fluid Retention over the Menstrual Cycle: 1-Year Data from the Prospective Ovulation Cohort". Obstetrics and Gynecology International. 2011: 138451. doi:10.1155/2011/138451. PMC 3154522. PMID 21845193.
- ^ Jadack RA (25 June 2014). "Female Genital and Reproductive Function". In Copstead-Kirkhorn LC, Banasik JL (eds.). Pathophysiology. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 660–. ISBN 978-0-323-29317-4.
- ^ Farage MA, Neill S, MacLean AB (January 2009). "Physiological changes associated with the menstrual cycle: a review". Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 64 (1): 58–72. doi:10.1097/OGX.0b013e3181932a37. PMID 19099613. S2CID 22293838.
- ^ Pooler C (1 October 2009). Porth Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 1075, 1107. ISBN 978-1-60547-781-7.
- ^ [better source needed] "Kick PMS bloat to the curb". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2023-07-31.