I first noticed the changes during my college years — on the initial days of my period, I barely recognized my reflection. My eyes appeared puffy, my skin tone seemed altered, and my lips had a perpetual frown. There was no rosy glow on my cheeks, and my hair looked frizzier than usual, while the veins visible on my fair skin were the deepest shade of purple I had ever seen.
As I aged, I became aware of additional shifts leading up to my cycle. Not only were my eyes puffy, but my entire face would swell, making my eyes look more distant and my nose wider. When my daughter commented on the noticeable bags under my eyes each month, I realized I wasn’t imagining it: I truly looked different when experiencing that time of the month.
About a decade ago, while having lunch with my aunt, I was attempting to curb my PMS cravings over a turkey club loaded with bacon and fries. She mentioned that my uncle, who had been with her since their high school days, had pointed out how she always appeared different during her period.
Now that I’m in my 40s and my monthly visitor isn’t as consistent, I can confirm that each time she shows up, my wrinkles deepen, my bags under my eyes grow larger, and I swear I find more gray hairs. This isn’t something health classes typically cover, and my doctor never discussed it, but it seems to be a common experience for those who menstruate — the hormonal fluctuations affect our appearance as much as our emotions. And it’s not just about bloating or breakouts.
Understanding the Changes
In a discussion with Dr. Emily Foster, a wellness expert, we delved into why these changes occur and how we might mitigate them during this time when we often feel irritable. Spoiler alert: most of it can be attributed to bloating. Dr. Foster explained, “The alterations in our appearance leading up to our period are primarily due to swelling and fluid retention caused by hormonal changes, specifically the drop in estrogen and progesterone just before menstruation begins.”
This decrease in estrogen affects fluid regulation in our bodies, so it’s no surprise when our fingers appear swollen, our clothes feel tight, and our faces look inflated. “The reduction in estrogen receptor activation in your kidneys, influenced by another hormone called vasopressin, limits how effectively your body removes fluid. You retain more, but once your period starts, estrogen levels rise again, resetting fluid movement,” Dr. Foster stated.
What Can We Do About It?
Now that we’ve established that bloating is the main culprit, what can we do about it? Dr. Clara Lawson, who specializes in women’s health, offered some valuable suggestions via email. It’s essential to recognize that bloating is a common symptom experienced by around 85% of women and individuals with vaginas during their cycle.
Dr. Lawson recommends incorporating potassium-rich foods in the days leading up to your period. These foods can help alleviate bloating and discomfort because potassium reduces sodium levels and promotes urine production. “Consider including dark leafy greens, bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, and tomatoes,” she advised.
Another effective strategy is to stay well-hydrated and maintain physical activity, even when motivation is low. Dr. Lawson emphasized that regular exercise keeps the digestive system active, which can also help ease bloating.
Some of the changes we notice during our periods may also be due to mood swings that amplify our frown lines and resting expressions. However, it’s again due to hormonal shifts. While avoiding salty and sugary snacks just before menstruation may help, I find it hard to resist indulging in my favorite treats like chocolate and fries. If I have to deal with a bloated body for a few days each month, I’m not willing to sacrifice my comfort food, as it seems inevitable anyway.
Further Reading
For further insight, check out this related article on home insemination that covers different aspects of menstruation and fertility. You can also explore the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit for more resources. Additionally, for those seeking information on various treatments, WebMD offers an excellent guide.
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In summary, many of us experience noticeable changes in our appearance during menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations, primarily linked to bloating and fluid retention. Simple dietary adjustments and staying active can help mitigate these effects, but it’s essential to accept that some level of change is normal during this time.
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