Why does my face swell during menstruation?

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for women. During menstruation, women's bodies will experience some special symptoms. Some symptoms that are not easy to appear can make people very worried, such as swollen face. Facial swelling is different from other menstrual symptoms because it is not closely related to menstruation on the surface. Knowing the cause will help to better solve it. So, why does your face get swollen during menstruation? What is the reason?

The cause of premenstrual edema is not yet fully understood, but it is estimated to be related to cyclical imbalance of sex hormone levels, among which abnormal secretion of estrogen is the main factor. Before menstruation, the body's estrogen secretion is abnormal, the lymphatic system has functional disorders, and the excretion of water and toxins becomes difficult, leading to vasodilation, causing water to seep out of the blood vessels and be retained in the tissues.

In addition, excessive production of prolactin also plays a certain promoting role. Once menstruation comes, the secretion of hormones and prolactin decreases sharply, excess water in the body is quickly excreted, urine volume increases significantly, and edema and other symptoms gradually disappear.

Treatment for premenstrual edema

For those with mild premenstrual edema, you can pay attention to adjusting your lifestyle, such as insisting on physical exercise, maintaining a happy spirit, keeping your gastrointestinal tract unobstructed, and avoiding excessive fatigue and mental stimulation during menstruation. Generally, no treatment is required. For patients with significant edema, the following treatment is performed:

1. Measure your basal body weight 1-2 times a week before your period. Observe when and how much weight you gain so you can take appropriate actions.

2. Psychotherapy. Psychological activity can directly affect endocrine function and influence the occurrence and severity of symptoms. Therefore, you should pay attention to the combination of work and rest, avoid mental stress, and take medication to reduce edema.

3. Correct water and sodium retention. Eat a low-salt diet 10 days before menstruation and take diuretics under the guidance of a doctor. When taking diuretics, pay attention to potassium supplementation to prevent hypokalemia.

4. Other treatments include physical therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and taking vitamins 15-20 days before menstruation.

How to prevent premenstrual edema

Most premenstrual edema does not require treatment and can heal without treatment. People who experience premenstrual edema do not need to panic. They should maintain a good mental state, pay attention to rest, and eat a light diet. In severe cases, diuretics can be taken under the guidance of a doctor and the medication can be stopped once the symptoms subside. Here are three practical dietary treatments for premenstrual edema.

1. Radish tofu

Ingredients: 250 grams of white radish, 250 grams of tender tofu, appropriate amounts of sesame oil, salt and starch.

Preparation: Blanch the tender tofu in boiling water for a while, cut into thin slices and set aside; wash the white radish, cut into thin strips, dip it in starch and stir-fry in warm oil, add water and cook until crispy, gently add tofu slices, season and boil, thicken with a thin starch, drizzle with sesame oil, and add a little chopped green onion or minced garlic.

Efficacy: Soothes qi and resolves phlegm, helps digestion and promotes urination.

2. Red Bean Crucian Carp

Ingredients: 1 crucian carp, 50 grams of red beans, appropriate amounts of rice wine, green onions and ginger.

Preparation method: Remove the scales, gills and internal organs of the crucian carp and wash it, soak it in rice wine for a while; then put the washed red beans into a casserole and add appropriate amount of water. First boil it over high heat, then switch to low heat and simmer until it is half cooked. Add crucian carp, scallion knots, and ginger slices and cook into soup without adding salt.

Efficacy: diuretic, relieving swelling and distension.

3. Eucommia and wolfberry carp soup

Ingredients: 1 carp, 15 grams each of Eucommia ulmoides and wolfberry, 6 grams of dried ginger.

Method: Remove the scales and internal organs of the carp, wash it clean, wash the remaining medicine and wrap it with cloth. Put all ingredients in a casserole and add appropriate amount of water. Boil together for 1 hour and remove the medicine bag.

Efficacy: Nourishes the kidneys and promotes diuresis.