By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
thiraisorgam thiraisorgam
  • Home
  • Wellness
  • Fitness
  • Diabetes
  • Reproductive Health
Reading: What do your period cravings say about your body?
Thirai SorgamThirai Sorgam
Search
  • Home
  • Wellness
  • Fitness
  • Diabetes
  • Reproductive Health
© 2025 All Rights reserved | Powered by Thiraisorgam
Thirai Sorgam > Reproductive Health > What do your period cravings say about your body?
Reproductive Health

What do your period cravings say about your body?

May 23, 2025 8 Min Read
Share
What do your period cravings say about your body?
SHARE

Your period of craving is driven by hormonal fluctuations in the body. When serotonin levels drop, you may crave bread and pasta, but hypoglycemic levels caused by hormonal changes can tempt you to sweet dul.

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.

See also  Does Ozempic Affect Sex Drive?

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.

Woman eating sweets
Craving is common during the period. Image provided by Adobe Stock

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.

See also  Peeing While Laughing? A Physical Therapist’s Guide To Helping

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.

Control your food cravings
Eat moderate chocolate during the period. Image provided by Adobe Stock

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.

See also  Why Do I Pee So Much?

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!

Related FAQs

Can period craving lead to weight gain?

Occasional cravings do not cause long-term weight gain, but you may regularly overeat processed or sweet foods. It’s okay to indulge in moderate amounts.

Do all women experience the cravings of periods?

Not everyone, but it’s very common. Some experience mild cravings, while others experience strong urges towards certain foods.

TAGGED:HygieneIntimate Health
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link
Previous Article 10 Tips for Offseason Triathlon Training 10 Tips for Offseason Triathlon Training
Next Article 12 Health-Boosting Benefits of Fruits You Might Not Know 12 Health-Boosting Benefits of Fruits You Might Not Know
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

latest

14 Nutrient-Packed Foods You Might Be Missing Out On

14 Nutrient-Packed Foods You Might Be Missing Out On

Certain foods offer impressive health benefits, but often fly under the radar…

Thirai Sorgam 12 Min Read
Soon June 10: 25-minute speed train by Joel Freeman

Coming on June 10th: 25-minute speed train from Joel Freeman

Whether you train without getting the results you want, or whether you…

Thirai Sorgam 5 Min Read
Woman wearing a CGM device near a ledge and looks out at the sunset.

How to Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

A continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, for short, is a life-saving device…

Thirai Sorgam 10 Min Read
11 Practical Healthy Eating Tips for Everyday Balance

11 Practical Healthy Eating Tips for Everyday Balance

Eating well doesn't have to be complicated. Small changes in your daily…

Thirai Sorgam 10 Min Read
frequent urination reasons

Why Do I Pee So Much?

It's one of the annoying stereotypes about women that may be true.…

Thirai Sorgam 7 Min Read
Try this holiday movie training challenge!

Try this holiday movie training challenge!

Even the most dedicated exercisers can be difficult to maintain activity during…

Thirai Sorgam 5 Min Read

You Might Also Like

how does period underwear work
Reproductive Health

What Is Period Underwear? A Symbol of New Freedom

The innovative trend is gaining momentum in menstrual products, or…

3 Min Read
Miley Cyrus ruptured an ovarian cyst mid-performance, says it was ‘traumatic’
Reproductive Health

Miley Cyrus ruptured an ovarian cyst mid-performance, says it was ‘traumatic’

Miley Cyrus suffered from a volvulus ruptured central performance during…

8 Min Read
endometriosis after menopause
Reproductive Health

Endometriosis After Menopause – What To Expect

Endometriosis is one of the most common reproductive health disorders…

7 Min Read
Make things interesting in bed with different types of condoms for you and your partner
Reproductive Health

Make things interesting in bed with different types of condoms for you and your partner

Condoms help prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted diseases.…

9 Min Read
thiraisorgam thiraisorgam
thiraisorgam thiraisorgam

Our mission is to provide reliable and up-to-date information to help our readers make informed decisions about their well-being.

Editor's Picks

Menstrual cup dangers: This period product may affect your kidneys
What is Zone 2 aerobic exercise?
Masturbation causes acne: Myth or fact
Does Eating Sugar Cause Diabetes? Here’s Your Answer

Follow Us on Socials

We use social media to react to breaking news, update supporters and share information

Facebook Twitter Telegram
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
Reading: What do your period cravings say about your body?
© 2025 All Rights reserved | Powered by Thiraisorgam
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?