Yes, var can cause H2O retention in some women, esp. those that are prone to it. I do have incredible muscle hardness, strength gains, increased vascularity. I am using it for my cutting cycle to help maintain the lean mass I built naturally. I did not have the water gain until about 2.5 weeks ago. And then it came on quickly. I have upped my water intake to just under 2 gals. p/day. I am also using NYC, which the yohimbine hcl is contributing to the water gain. However, since increasing my water consumption, taking an herbal OTC diuretic about every other day AND decreasing my var dose to 7.5mg ED, the bloat is going away. I have read other posts of women who had water bloat and when their cycle was finished, the bloat went away.
As for when you should stop the var, I cannot answer that. Every body is different. You may drop water really fast when you are ready for that part of your pre-comp or you may not. You would know the answer to that. Magdelana posed an interesting ? about maybe other drugs contributing to the bloat. Are you taking anything else?