Your monthly "curse" comes with a slew of unwanted side effects, including cravings, water retention and bloat (we won't even get into the mood swings!)

So how many pounds should you expect to pack on during your period? We asked Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, to weigh in.

Gerbstadt explained that these are the monthly changes typical of a "regular" cycle:

Menstruation: When your period starts to flow, chances are you feel crampy, bloated, fatigued and moody. On the plus side, when you're actively bleeding, your body is sloughing off the uterine lining and preparing for a fresh cycle. As the days go on, hunger and cravings dissipate, you lose the bloat (and any excess pounds). In fact, you're at the lowest weight of the month right after you stop bleeding. Enjoy it while you can!

Follicular Phase: Whether you're trying to get pregnant or not, the follicular phase is all about fertilization. Your body is working hard to naturally select the perfect egg (at least for this month), and estrogen levels are on the rise. Unfortunately, estrogen and weight gain often go hand in hand. What's more, as the uterine lining gets thicker to welcome a fertilized embryo, you may tack on a little weight as a result (think one-quarter to one-half pound).

Ovulation: As you near ovulation, you may feel more energized and in tune with your body. But you may notice some bloating and fuller breasts, too -- and that equals more weight gain! Some women experience water gain in response to hormones during this time of their cycle.

Luteal Phase: The beginning of this phase is relatively uneventful. Any ovulation-related bloat usually vanishes within a few days. But then, a few days later, the PMS-madness begins. Not only will you feel hungrier (as your body prepares to support a potential pregnancy), but you're also more likely to crave salty, sugary and fatty snacks -- and that can pack on the pounds. In these few days, eating big could add 1 or 2 pounds of fat.

Keep in mind that every woman (and every cycle) is different. If you're taking birth control pills, hormone prescriptions or fertility drugs, some of these weight changes may be magnified (others may be muted). Just take stock of how your body reacts throughout your cycle so you're in tune with what's "normal" for you. And don't sweat a few extra pounds. Chances are, they'll disappear after a few days (no matter where you are in your cycle).

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