What Causes Swollen Ankle And Feet During Ovulation?

Posted on Wed, 4 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 4 Jun 2014 Answered on

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My ankles and feet swell every month during ovuation and during menstration. It is worse in summer. I can sometimes go a month or two in winter months with no swelling. Why is the swelling so bad at this time of the month?

Answered by Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is due to a hormone.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for consulting us.
Some women are extra sensitive to progesterone. This is a hormone produced by the ovaries after ovulation. This hormone causes water retention.
They retain fluid in the second half of menstrual cycle when progesterone is produced. This water retention in turn cause edema. This may occur as a part of premenstrual syndrome or an only symptom.
This is the most likely cause of your problem. However, you must see a physician to rule out other causes of ankle swelling like heart & kidney problems.
Wish you good health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (12 minutes later)

Why is it worse in summer months?

Answered by Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Psychology may have a role.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question & very sorry for a late reply.
Actually, the reason I could think of may lie somewhere in your psychology. There are disorders of changes in human physiology & mood which show seasonal variation. Your case may have a pathogenesis similar to that. Exact cause is difficult to pinpoint, but a psychiatric opinion may give you some important information.
Your cyclic & seasonal symptom may represent a part of these disorders.
Hope you get well soon.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar