I began to notice this peculiar phenomenon during my college years — on the first couple of days of my period, I hardly recognized the person staring back at me in the mirror. My eyes seemed swollen, my skin tone appeared altered, and my mouth always had a downward turn. The natural flush in my cheeks vanished, and I could swear my hair looked frizzier, with my veins peeking through my fair skin appearing darker than ever.
As I aged, I observed additional changes leading up to my menstrual cycle. It wasn’t just my eyes that swelled; my entire face seemed to puff up, making my eyes look more spaced apart and my nose broader. When my daughter began mentioning the noticeable “bags” under my eyes each month, I realized it wasn’t merely a personal perception — I genuinely looked different when navigating the monthly crimson wave.
About a decade ago, while sharing a turkey club with extra bacon and fries with my aunt, I was attempting to curb my PMS cravings when she revealed that my uncle had commented on how she always looked different during her period.
Now in my 40s, with my monthly visitor no longer making regular appearances, I can confirm that each time she comes around, my wrinkles seem deeper, my bags more pronounced, and I swear I notice more gray hair making its debut.
This isn’t information covered in health classes, and my gynecologist never mentioned these changes, but it appears to be common among those of us who menstruate — the hormonal fluctuations not only alter our feelings but also transform our appearance. And it goes beyond just bloating and breakouts.
In a recent discussion with Dr. Emily Carter, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Wellness Women, we explored the reasons behind these changes and how we might mitigate them during this time when tensions can run high. A significant culprit? Bloating. Dr. Carter explains, “Most changes in our appearance leading up to menstruation stem from swelling and fluid retention due to hormonal shifts, particularly the drop in estrogen and progesterone before your period begins.”
This decrease in estrogen affects fluid movement in our bodies, so it’s not just in our heads when our fingers resemble sausages, our pants feel tight, and our faces appear inflated. The science behind this is clear: the diminished activation of estrogen receptors in a specific area of the kidneys, influenced by another hormone called vasopressin, leads to reduced fluid clearance. Thus, we literally hold onto more fluid. Once menstruation begins, estrogen levels rise, and fluid movement normalizes, according to Dr. Carter.
So, what can we do to combat this bloating? Dr. Sarah Miller, a medical expert with years of experience in helping individuals manage various health issues, shared some insightful tips. It’s essential to note that bloating is a common symptom experienced by around 85% of women and those with a vagina.
Dr. Miller recommends incorporating potassium-rich foods in the days leading up to your period. This can alleviate bloating and discomfort as potassium helps lower sodium levels and promotes urine production, thus aiding fluid retention. “Consider adding dark leafy greens, bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, and tomatoes to your meals,” she suggests.
Staying hydrated is another effective strategy, so make sure to drink plenty of water and stay active, even when you might not feel like it. Regular physical activity can keep your digestive system functioning optimally and help alleviate bloating.
Some of the changes in our appearance during menstruation can be attributed to irritability, which can cause more pronounced frown lines and an intensified Resting Bitch Face, but once again, hormones are to blame. While it might be wise to avoid salty and sugary snacks just before our bodies undergo this monthly transformation, let’s be honest — not many things soothe PMS like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or some French fries. If I have to manage a bloated body (including my head) for a few days each month, so be it. In my opinion, sacrificing my fast food and chocolate isn’t a price I’m willing to pay to reduce bloat, especially since it seems inevitable.
For more insights on managing your menstrual health, feel free to check out this blog post. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, Make a Mom is an excellent resource for boosting fertility supplements.
Summary
Many people notice changes in their appearance during menstruation, including swelling, dark circles, and deeper wrinkles. Hormonal fluctuations, especially the drop in estrogen, contribute to bloating and fluid retention. Tips to manage these changes include eating potassium-rich foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining physical activity. While these changes can be frustrating, indulging in comfort foods might be hard to resist during this time.
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