I first began to notice changes in my appearance during my menstrual cycle while in college. On the first and second days of my period, I hardly recognized my reflection. My eyes appeared puffy, my skin tone seemed altered, and my mouth perpetually formed a frown. There was no color in my cheeks, and my hair felt like it had taken on a life of its own, frizzing out in all directions. The veins beneath my fair skin appeared as dark as I’d ever seen.
As I aged, I observed additional transformations leading up to my period. Not only did my eyes swell, but my entire face seemed to puff up, giving the illusion that my eyes were farther apart and my nose was wider. When my daughter began commenting on the noticeable “bags” under my eyes each month, I knew it wasn’t just me—my appearance truly changed when I was dealing with my menstrual cycle.
About a decade ago, while having lunch with my aunt, I was trying to manage my PMS cravings with a turkey club loaded with extra bacon and fries. During our conversation, she revealed that my uncle had told her she always looked different when she was on her period.
Now that I’m in my 40s and my menstrual cycle isn’t as regular, I can confirm that whenever it does make an appearance, my wrinkles seem deeper, my bags more pronounced, and I swear I notice more gray hairs.
These changes aren’t typically discussed in health classes, and my gynecologist never brought it up, but it appears to be a common experience among those who menstruate. The fluctuating hormones don’t just affect our emotions; they transform our appearance too. I’m not merely referring to the usual bloating and acne.
Understanding the Changes
In a discussion with Dr. Emily Hart, ND, founder of Wellness Code, we delved into the reasons behind these changes and how we can mitigate them. Most of the alterations in our appearance before menstruation are due to swelling and fluid retention caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly the drop in estrogen and progesterone just before our period begins.
This decline in estrogen impacts how fluid is processed in our bodies, so it’s not your imagination when your fingers resemble sausages, your pants feel tight, and your face looks unusually puffed. Dr. Hart explains that the reduction in estrogen receptor activity in a certain area of the kidneys leads to decreased fluid clearance from the body, resulting in increased retention. Fortunately, as soon as menstruation starts, estrogen levels rise, and fluid movement normalizes.
Tips to Counteract Bloating
Now that we understand bloating is a primary culprit, what can we do to counteract it? Dr. Sarah Collins, a medical expert with years of experience in treating various conditions, shared some helpful tips. It’s worth noting that bloating is a common symptom experienced by around 85% of women and those with a vagina.
Dr. Collins suggests incorporating potassium-rich foods in the days leading up to your period. Such foods can alleviate bloating and discomfort by lowering sodium levels and boosting urine production. Foods like dark leafy greens, bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, and tomatoes can be beneficial.
Staying hydrated and maintaining physical activity can also help combat the unpleasant effects of bloating. Regular movement keeps the digestive system functioning optimally, which can ease bloating symptoms.
Some of the changes in our appearance during menstruation may also be linked to irritability, accentuating our frown lines and enhancing our “resting face.” While avoiding salty and sugary snacks before our period might help, it’s hard to resist treats like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and French fries. I personally find that putting up with a bloated feeling for a few days is a small price to pay for indulging in my favorite comfort foods.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination or related topics, check out this other blog post or visit Healthline for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. You can also find expert insights at Intracervical Insemination.
Search Queries Related to This Topic:
- Period symptoms and appearance changes
- How hormones affect your looks
- Managing PMS bloating
- Diet tips for menstruation
- Understanding menstrual cycle changes
In summary, many of us experience noticeable changes in our appearance during menstruation due to hormonal shifts. By understanding these changes and implementing some dietary and lifestyle adjustments, we can mitigate some of the discomfort and bloating that accompany our periods.