Ever wonder why you suddenly feel extra hungry right before your period? Like, you just ate, but somehow you’re still thinking about snacks? There’s actually a science-backed reason for that.

So, your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, mainly oestrogen and progesterone. After you ovulate, in the second half of your cycle, which is called the luteal phase, progesterone levels go up.

Did You Know That This Hormone Can Actually Increase Your Appetite? 

It kind of tells your body, ‘Hey, we might be preparing for a pregnancy, so let’s make sure we have enough energy stored.’

At the same time, oestrogen, which tends to suppress appetite, starts to drop. So you have got less of the ‘I’m full’ signal and more of the ‘feed me’ signal happening at once.

This is also the phase where a lot of people start to feel PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which can bring bloating, mood swings, fatigue, and those intense cravings, and when progesterone and oestrogen fluctuate, they can make your body less efficient at regulating blood sugar. 

That means your blood sugar levels rise and fall faster, which can leave you feeling hungry, tired, and craving quick fixes like sweets or carbs. Your metabolism also speeds up slightly during this phase, meaning you actually burn a few more calories than usual, so your body genuinely needs more energy. And on top of that, your serotonin, the brain’s feel-good chemical, tends to dip before your period, which makes you reach for foods that boost your mood, like chocolate or carbs.

Here Are A Few Tips That Can Actually Help You

• Try to eat on time; skipping food can make your cravings and mood swings worse.
• Combine carbs with protein and healthy fats, for example, dal with rice and ghee, or roti with paneer or egg curry. This keeps your blood sugar stable and reduces energy crashes.
• Instead of sweets, go for things like chana, peanuts, fruit with curd, or a handful of nuts and seeds. They keep you full longer.
• Even gentle yoga, a walk after meals, or light stretching helps to balance hormones and improve mood.
• PMS can feel worse when you’re tired. Sleep helps regulate hunger hormones and improves mood.
• If you want some chocolate or sweets, enjoy them mindfully, go for dark chocolate or homemade jaggery sweets instead of packaged ones.
  
  

So next time you’re hungrier before your period, remember: it’s not about willpower, it’s biology. Your body’s working hard, and giving it what it needs is actually part of taking care of yourself.

Felciya, is a Specialist Dietitian at The London Obesity & Endocrine Clinic. She has helped many patients overcome weight management barriers. ©Simplyweight

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