Is weight loss effective during menstruation

Losing weight during menstruation may have certain effects, but the effects vary from person to person and it is not recommended to deliberately engage in high-intensity weight loss during menstruation. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle may affect metabolism and appetite, but deliberate control of diet or vigorous exercise may increase physical burden.

During menstruation, the basal metabolic rate of women may slightly increase, and the increase in estrogen levels after the luteal phase helps with water excretion, which may create a false impression of temporary weight loss. Some women's weight gain due to edema before menstruation will naturally fall back after menstruation, but this is not the result of fat consumption. Endometrial shedding during menstruation is accompanied by blood loss, and excessive dieting may lead to iron deficiency, causing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. At this point, the body needs sufficient nutrition for repair, and blindly reducing calorie intake can disrupt endocrine balance. A small number of women may naturally reduce their appetite during menstruation, but this physiological change in appetite is unstable. If one deliberately uses their menstrual period to consume extreme low-carbon water or low calorie diets, it may worsen dysmenorrhea and prolong their menstrual period. High intensity exercise may exacerbate pelvic congestion, especially in patients with adenomyosis or endometriosis, and intense exercise may induce severe abdominal pain. Some weight loss products claim that menstruation is the golden period for fat burning, but in reality, there is a lack of scientific evidence. The use of diuretics or laxatives during menstruation can be even more harmful to health.

It is recommended that women maintain a balanced diet during menstruation, supplement iron rich foods such as animal liver and dark green vegetables in moderation, and choose low-intensity exercises such as yoga and walking. Weight management should focus on regular sleep patterns and long-term exercise habits throughout the menstrual cycle, rather than sudden weight loss at specific stages. If there is abnormal bleeding or persistent weight fluctuations during menstruation, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to check for endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome.