What do your period cravings say about your body?

Are you craving chocolate, chips or cheap pasta all of a sudden before your period? Perhaps you could eat the whole pizza or have a snack all day long. It’s completely normal and honestly, and sometimes it can really feel solace in enjoying all such delicious food during your menstrual cycle. From sweet treats to salty snacks, the cravings of the times can hit hard during this time. But have you ever wondered why this happens? Or what does your body really want when you crave sugar, chocolate and carbohydrates? These cravings are not random and are often associated with hormonal variation. Each craving can actually reveal something about what your body needs and how it feels.

Menstrual cycle stage

Before you understand what craving is, you will learn about the stages of periods.

1. Menstrual phase (days 1-5)

This is when your period occurs. The uterus does not develop pregnancy and leads to bleeding, so the lining is washed away. You may feel tired, convulsive, or feel low energy.

2. Follicular phase (days 1-13)

Starting on the same day as the period, the follicular phase helps your body prepare for ovulation. The hormone FSH helps eggs mature, and elevated estrogen levels rebuild the uterine lining. You may start to feel more energetic and focused.

3. Ovulation phase (around 14th day)

This is when mature eggs are released from the ovaries. It is caused by a sudden increase in LH (luteinizing hormone). This is the most fertile time of the cycle. Some people may feel slight convulsions or notice clear, stretchy ejections.

4. Luteal phase (days 15-28)

After ovulation, progesterone rises to support your chances of pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels will drop, leading to symptoms of PMS such as mood swings, bloating, and craving until the period begins again.

Hormones that affect hunger before and during periods

It is normal to feel hungry before the period, especially during the luteal phase that begins after ovulation. This occurs because the hormone progesterone can rise and increase appetite. A 2016 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that at this stage women, particularly foods that are high in animal protein, tend to report more food cravings.

Another study published in Annales D’Endocrinologie in 2017 showed that women burned more calories before the period. The average daily calorie intake increased from 1,688 in the follicular phase to 2,164 in the luteal phase. Most of the extra calories came from carbohydrates. So if you reach for a snack before the period, hormones may play a major role!

General period craving

This introduces some of the most common food cravings you may feel before or during your period cycle:

1. Carbohydrate craving

Are you craving bread, pasta, and baked goods? This is one of the cravings of a very common era and may mean that your body is looking for improved energy. During the period, emotional brain chemicals, which are serotonin levels, may decrease, leading to low energy and mood fluctuations. Carbohydrates help to increase serotonin levels. So, comfortable foods like toast and pasta explain to obstetricians, gynecologists, fertility experts Dr. Nirmala M., but try reaching out to complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, whole grain toast and oats.

2. Sweet snack craving

Craving for a sugary drink like cookies, candies, cakes or soda is also one of the most common cravings of the times. Hormonal changes can lower blood sugar levels and lead to intense sugar cravings. Consuming sugar-like snacks can increase energy rapidly, but it can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. To satisfy your sugar cravings without energy colliding, try fresh fruit, yogurt with honey, or small chocolate.

3. Chocolate craving

Are there any PMs that don’t have chocolate cravings? Chocolate is one of the most common times cravings, and there’s a reason for this, according to a study published in PLOS One. Chocolate contains magnesium. Magnesium helps relax your muscles and improve your mood. This means that your body usually craves chocolate, reducing convulsions and stress from the times. If possible, choose dark chocolate with less sugar and more antioxidants than milk chocolate. If it’s not chocolate, you can also consume nuts, seeds and avocados.

4. A craving for a salty snack

If chips, fries, or salty snacks are on your mind, it could be linked to liquid imbalances. Salt or sodium cravings may indicate fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances caused by hormonal shifts. It’s okay to indulge in these snacks a little, but eating too much of these foods can increase your bloating and discomfort. Instead of falling into the cravings of these times, satisfy your cravings with roasted nuts and air pop popcorn. Thriving for salt can also indicate sodium deficiency, but it is rare.

5. Cheese or dairy cravings

Want to have pizza, cheesy pasta or ice cream? Your body may be looking for calcium or trying to find comfort through rich and satisfying food. Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, which helps to improve mood and muscle pain. Enjoy your favorite dairy products in moderation or try healthy options like Greek yogurt or homemade cheese toast to manage your period cravings.

Therefore, manage your period cravings with healthy food alternatives!