Why your weight changes during your period
Weight changes during your menstrual cycle are completely normal. Temporary water retention and inflammation can push the scale up by several pounds, and none of it is body fat. Carbon's period check-in step exists so you give the app the context it needs to interpret your weight accurately and avoid making unnecessary changes to your calories or macros.
Where to find it in the app
The period question appears automatically during your weekly check-in as Step 3 of 4, under the heading "Your period." It's part of the standard check-in flow, so nothing needs to be turned on.
How to answer the question during your check-in
At this step, you'll choose between two options:
My cycle has affected my weight: Carbon reviews this week's data with added context and holds back on any calorie or macro decreases driven by temporary water retention.
My cycle did not affect my weight: Carbon follows its standard check-in review and makes adjustments as it normally would.
Pick whichever option reflects how your cycle has affected you this week, then tap Next to continue.
Not sure which to choose?
If there's any chance your cycle influenced this week's weigh-in, go with "My cycle has affected my weight." When it's unclear, that option gives you the most protection against calorie adjustments that may not be warranted.
How Carbon adjusts your targets
When you select "My cycle has affected my weight," Carbon pauses on any downward macro adjustments it might otherwise make. Your progress is still being tracked. The app is simply accounting for the temporary fluctuation so your targets stay where they should be.
When you select "My cycle did not affect my weight," Carbon processes your check-in as usual and adjusts based on your weight trend.
Additional details
Cycle-related weight changes are caused by water retention and inflammation. They're temporary and have nothing to do with fat gain.
If your cycle affected your weight for 1–2 weeks in a row, select "My cycle has affected my weight" at each of those check-ins.
If you've been selecting that option for 3 or more consecutive weeks, switch to "My cycle did not affect my weight." A pattern that long may reflect something other than a short-term cycle effect. Tap Learn more on the check-in screen for more guidance.
Your answer can't be changed after you complete a check-in, so take a moment to consider how you've been feeling this week before tapping Next.
Your answer provides Carbon has the context it needs to keep your progress on track, even when your cycle makes the scale harder to read.
If you would prefer not to see this question at check-in, our support team can turn it off for you. Reach out via the in-app chat or support@joincarbon.com and we'll take care of it.