Water retention: Relieve this premenstrual symptom

Is water retention a regular premenstrual symptom for you? Here's help to feel better.

Why water retention happens

Changes in hormone levels are the likely cause of your body holding in water before your period. Diet also might play a role.

Many people who menstruate have symptoms such as bloating 1 to 2 days before the start of their periods. Some people have symptoms during the five or more days before their periods start that get in the way of their daily activities. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Getting relief

To reduce premenstrual water retention:

• Limit salt in your diet. Eating salty foods might make you retain more water.
• Take magnesium. Magnesium supplements may help reduce water retention. Talk with your healthcare professional before taking a supplement.
• Take water pills, also called diuretics. You can get these medicines by prescription to help reduce fluid buildup. Know that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, Naprelan ), and diuretics at the same time can cause kidney damage.

Getting regular aerobic exercise and good sleep also may ease PMS symptoms. So might relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and massage.

When to look for other options

If you keep having monthly water retention, talk with your healthcare professional. Keeping track of your symptoms for a few months can help you see whether your symptoms are linked to your menstrual cycle rather than to another cause. Your health professional also can help find the best treatment for you.