Bonking & Menses

[Miranda]

I gain about 5 pounds water weight in my monthly cycle. I think this is worse than life years past now that I am in perimenopause. I shed the weight literally within a couple days in the cycle all at one time. Usually post ovulation, but before the start of actual menses.

During this time, I also just feel so "flu-ish" is the best word to describe it. Or almost like I'm 1st trimester pregnant... like morning sickness. Part of this is perimenopause my gyno tells me (hormone related changes etc.). So be it.

The issue is now that I am training for a century, is how not to bonk during this time. I had this happen within the last two weeks. At first I didn't realize why I bonked until I went back through my training log. I really tried to supplement with salty foods in the hot weather, used electrolyte drink mix, etc.

On the bonking ride, I figured out I lost 5 pounds from a Wednesday to a Sunday. Later counting back in my cycle... I dumped my water I gain w/menses. Btw, my average weight lately has been 120-125#s... 5' 4 1/2" tall, so 5#s lose is a lot I think.

Typically in the past, I just ride easy, or rest, do what my body says. But, I'm really going to be bummed if this flushing occurs at the time of my long awaited event.

Does anyone have any tips about this?

Thx!
Miranda

[shootingstar]

I gain about 5 pounds water weight in my monthly cycle. I think this is worse than life years past now that I am in perimenopause. I shed the weight literally within a couple days in the cycle all at one time. Usually post ovulation, but before the start of actual menses.

During this time, I also just feel so "flu-ish" is the best word to describe it. Or almost like I'm 1st trimester pregnant... like morning sickness. Part of this is perimenopause my gyno tells me (hormone related changes etc.). So be it.

The issue is now that I am training for a century, is how not to bonk during this time. I had this happen within the last two weeks. At first I didn't realize why I bonked until I went back through my training log. I really tried to supplement with salty foods in the hot weather, used electrolyte drink mix, etc.

On the bonking ride, I figured out I lost 5 pounds from a Wednesday to a Sunday. Later counting back in my cycle... I dumped my water I gain w/menses. Btw, my average weight lately has been 120-125#s... 5' 4 1/2" tall, so 5#s lose is a lot I think.

Thx!
Miranda

If you feel 'fluish', do you want to eat much at all before a ride? Does it disrupt your sleep much? Up to 5 lb. water weight gain sounds normal but at least you know you lose it even though it is a bit on high side. (I think I gain 2-3 lbs. on water retention, and this is just from have salty food in meal and liquids.)

Have been in perimenopause for past 2 yrs. or so, but I only feel flushed for 5-15 min. several times ..a month. So I'm not the best person for advice. For certain, my symptoms are so mild that I wouldn't even recognize it while I'm pumping away on the bike.

[badger]

ha, I thought by "bonking" you meant s.e.x.

The only thing I can suggest is perhaps look into natural progesterone cream? I usually get horribly emotional and/or psycho with PMS and nasty night sweats in and around my period. But since I started using a natural progesterone cream (wild yam), I've noticed a marked reduction in my PMS symptoms.

Not sure if that would apply to your situation, though.

[Miranda]

Thx for the replies thus far.

I had to lol on the bonking and sex thing... well, I'd have to put that kinda post under "non-cycling related".

OK... I have heard of peeps taking an OTC water pill to get rid of weigt gain. But, the opposite problem for me. I'm not due at the gyno until Fall for my annual. Post my event. I might have to call and see if they have any advice to prevent the weight gain, AND still get the salt we need to sweat and ride. Thinking they would typically tell an non-athlete to avoid salty foods etc.

[tburr42029]

I'm glad someone else is having this perimenopause weight gain thing. my cycle has also shortened from 28 days to 21 days and so i get the weight gain more frequently now! it's driving me nuts!

[malaholic]

So it is not during/right after your period that you're bonking, but beforehand?

For me the most bonk-prone time to ride is right afterwards. My body apparently really misses the oxygen-carrying capacity of those red blood cells that I lose. For a while I was using BCPs to help keep periods light, but the hormones gave me migraines so I had to stop.

When is your century, are you pretty sure it's going to fall into your bonk-prone timeframe?