I spent way too long thinking I was gaining weight every month

For the longest time, I couldn't understand why my body seemed to change for a few days every month.

My stomach would feel tighter, certain clothes would fit differently, and I'd immediately start questioning my diet or wondering if I had somehow gained weight overnight.

It took me a while to notice that it followed the same pattern almost every cycle and usually disappeared once my period started.

Looking back, I wish I had understood earlier what was happening because I spent a lot of time worrying about something that turned out to be temporary.

I'm curious whether anyone else had a similar experience before they connected it to their cycle.