Edema i.e. swelling, is the most frequently observed physical symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with 65% of menstruating individuals experiencing this symptom! Studies suggest that progesterone is a key player in changing the way our body’s fluid regulation systems operate.
One of the effects of progesterone is that it increases vascular permeability... which is a bit of a mouthful, honestly? Basically, progesterone makes our cell walls “leaky”! In this phase, water that normally resides within cells now sits outside the cell, making the area swell. With peak progesterone levels not occurring until the middle of Phase Four, this swelling process becomes more noticeable near the end of Phase Four and into Phase Five. This is why, despite an earlier peak in progesterone, you may not see the effects immediately and be more likely to notice bloating in Phase Five with PMS!
Edema can present almost anywhere in your body. Bloating in the face, stomach and thighs are the most common areas. If you find this swelling uncomfortable, you can always try compression! Even something like wearing your favourite leggings could give just enough of a squeeze to make you feel better. And last, but certainly not least, you may want to up your H20 intake - drinking water will help your body flush out these fluids and keep some of the swelling at bay.
Happy hydrating!
Science, Feminism and Love.
Tacani, P. M., Ribeiro, D., Barros Guimarães, B. E., Machado, A. F., & Tacani, R. E. (2015). Characterization of symptoms and edema distribution in premenstrual syndrome. Int. J. Women's Health, 7, 297–303.
