Swelling and puffiness in the ankles or around the eyes and other body areas are sometimes caused by minor stresses, such as standing for a long period of time, unaccustomed heavy exercise, hot weather, a change in salt intake, premenstrual stress, or minor conditions involving circulation.

Oedema can also occur in serious conditions such as heart disease, kidney disorders, liver problems or complications during pregnancy - all of which require a physician's care.

The amount of fluids retained can vary with disease conditions that affect the circulation. Some common ones include hypothyroidism, high and low blood pressure, heart and kidney disorders, and disease of the arteries and veins.

Excess retentions is much more common in women than men because of the effect of the female hormones on the body's metabolism and circulation.

You can get a pretty good ideas about your own weight variation due to fluctuation in fluid retention by checking your weight first thing in the morning and at bed time. Do this every day for two weeks and consider taking the written record to your doctor for advice.

Remember that the picture can vary with your diet. Vegetables, fruits and carbohydrates have more water in them than fats and protection. How much salt you use will make a difference since it cause your body to retain water.

Your physical activity will make a difference also. The more active you are, the more water you get rid of. Hence, more weight loss.

Remember too, gravity has an effect on the amount of fluids on retains. After you have been in bed all night, you will notice more swelling on your face and hands. By bedtimes, this fluid will gravitate to your feet and legs, so you will see and feel it there.