According to scientific research, changes in levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone cause cravings for high-carb and sweet foods before your period. Also, it’s not just your hormone behind your desire to eat all the goodies in your pantry, but eating it can also help you combat all the feels that accompany the premenstrual stage of your cycle.
Let me explain it. A female body releases serotonin when you eat starchy foods and sweets. This is a chemical that boosts feelings of happiness.
But then it’s not all rosy as compulsive eating and food cravings before a period may also be signs of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a more severe form of PMS. So, if you’re one of the 14 percent who has irregular periods, you may be more prone to binge eating.
That said, wanting to eat more than usual before your period and having cravings is pretty common and not usually anything to worry about.
Here are few testimonies from women and their period cravings.
“I go through a lot of mood swings, always in a cranky mood due to the unbearable cramps. I feel like eating chocolates and I don’t feel like eating solids and rather crave liquids. I don’t feel like leaving my bed as I also suffer a bit of body ache during the 1st two days,” shares Anwesha Ghosh, Teacher, Jamshedpur.
“While chumming, I feel very irritated and weak. Period pain is different for all. For me, it’s just unbearable! Good food, especially delectable desserts, satiate my soul. I crave Hot chocolate fudge and pancakes when I am going through the unendurable pain,” Avnika Saraf, Journalist, New Delhi
“I go through mood swings few days before my menstruation. I switch moods within minutes. I crave for all street food especially momos and soups,” says Shikirti Das, Engineer, Cognizant.
“It never gets easier with time. The pain is real and it comes with different complexities every month. I absolutely hate the cramps. The only thing I wanna eat when I’m down is homemade food,” shares Shubho, PR professional.
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“Periods are painful for me. I get a lot of cramps and feel bloated. I try easing the pain with painkillers, ginger tea, or heat pads. Food cravings do occur. I crave cheesy food or Chinese,” Pratyusha Mohanty, Teacher, Odisha.
“Well. I feel like a broken ball of emotions, in pain most of the time. I crave coffee, pizza, carbonated drinks, while at times being unable to really eat them. The first days are the absolute worst. Physical activity helps with the pain, but the desire to just keep lying in the bed is overwhelming,” shares Sarjna Rai, Journalist, New Delhi.
“My cravings include hot chocolate fudge with a hot bag. It really helps me soothe the pain and instantly lifts my mood,” Alice Sharma, Social worker, New Delhi.
“Well, I have recently started taking health and nutrition seriously. So, on those days I try to have balanced and homemade meals: things like roasted nuts, chickpea salad and fruits and lots of water,” Joyita Sardar, Journalist, Kolkata.
When should you see a doctor?
You may consult a doctor if your hunger or cravings:
- Persist throughout the month
- Are a way to cope with persistent or severe feelings of depression, anxiety, or stress
- Lead to significant weight gain
- Cause you anxiety or distress
- Impact your treatment or recovery from an eating disorder
- Interfere with your ability to perform at school or work
- If you’re craving non-food items, which is medically called pica.
That’s all ladies! Hope you all get the power to go through it smoothly each time. Lots of Love.