Menopause can be a confusing time for women. With so many symptoms, sometimes it can be difficult to know what is menopause and what isn’t – never mind how to alleviate these symptoms.
And water retention is a symptom that, although common, is not talked about often. But don’t worry! This article will tell you everything that you need to know about water retention and how you can treat it.
Is Water Retention in Legs Caused by Menopause?
Unfortunately, water retention is a common symptom of menopause and one that many women will experience, along with other symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and irregularities in your periods.
What is the Connection Between Menopause and Water Retention?
To understand why fluid retention happens in menopause, we have to first understand why it happens during menstruation. Whilst on their period, many women experience water retention in their feet and ankles.
This is due to estrogen levels dropping – this is exactly what happens during menopause and what triggers fluid retention.
Is Water Retention in Legs During Menopause Common?
Water retention during menopause is extremely common and is something that the majority of women experience. This is due to a fluctuation of hormone levels and also happens during menstruation and pregnancies.
How do I get rid of water retention during menopause?
There are a number of ways to get rid of water retention during menopause, and most of them can be done from the comfort of your own home:
- Elevate legs and ankles – this improves the blood flow in your legs and therefore reduces swelling.
- Increase circulation – to do this, you can alternate between putting your feet in hot and cold water. Good circulation means that your blood is flowing through your veins correctly, and the swelling will go down.
- Exercise – This promotes the excretion of excess fluids and increases blood circulation.
How Long Does it Take to Stop Water Retention in Legs Caused by Menopause?
This all depends on how much retention there is. But generally, it can take between 1-2 days as long as you continue to carry out the treatments. Doing it just once isn’t going to change anything – consistency is key!
Final Thoughts on Does Menopause Case Water Retention in Legs
The short version is that, unfortunately, water retention is a common part of menopause and one that you will most likely experience. However, the commonness of the symptom does not mean that you have to suffer from it.
On the contrary, with a few simple steps, like elevating your feet or increasing your circulation by doing regular exercise, you should begin to see a change! Thankfully though, menopause usually only lasts around four years, so it won’t be forever!