If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for chocolate, salty snacks, or comfort food right before or during your period, many women are with you as they experience food cravings as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
These cravings are tied to real biological and hormonal shifts happening in your body. Let’s break down why this happens and what it means for your health.
The Role of Hormones in Cravings During Your Period
During your cycle, some hormone levels fluctuate, and these fluctuations can influence appetite:
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Progesterone surge before your period, and this hormone can increase appetite and trigger cravings for high-calorie meals.
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Estrogen drops right before menstruation, and lower estrogen levels can reduce serotonin, which may explain cravings for carbohydrates and sweets, as they temporarily boost serotonin.
Blood Sugar and Energy Dips
Hormonal changes can also affect insulin sensitivity, resulting in fluctuations in blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels drop, your body seeks quick energy sources, which come in the form of sugary or high-carbohydrate meals. This explains why a sudden urge for cookies or fried snacks can feel almost irresistible.
Emotional and Comfort Factors
It’s not just biology; emotions play a role, too. Menstruation can bring mood swings, irritability, or fatigue, and eating comfort meals, especially those associated with positive memories (such as sweets or family meals), can temporarily boost one's mood and ease stress.
Note: For women who consume salty snacks during their period, it may be linked to bloating and fluid shifts, as salt can feel satisfying but worsen water retention.
Management of Menstrual Cravings
Cravings aren’t bad, but you should find a way to balance. Go for healthier alternatives during your period, such as dark chocolate, nuts, and fruits. Eating regularly helps prevent cravings from multiplying, while taking water helps you not confuse thirst for hunger.
Enjoying small portions of your favorite comfort food is perfectly fine, since strict deprivation often backfires.
Conclusion
Menstrual food cravings are a natural response to hormonal fluctuations, fluctuating energy levels, and emotional needs. Instead of fighting these cravings, understanding why they happen makes it easier to manage them in healthy, balanced ways.
What do you crave most during your period?
Researched by Mercy Adeniyi.
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