The change in oestrogen and progesterone levels just before your period can make you crave carbohydrates and sugar.
Most women with PMS experience a drop in serotonin levels, which triggers cravings for carbs because the body uses carbs to make serotonin. "If cortisol is high and serotonin is low, you'll seek carbs and fats, but really heavy duty on the simple carbs -- sugar-based sweets like chocolate bars," Peeke says.
Cravings during your period are harmless—most of the time, says Fenske. The only time there should be cause for concern is if you start craving very strange things, like specifically wanting ice chips or being really eager for the taste of dirt (it can happen!).
Many women experience intense food cravings in the week or two before their periods — a symptom of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
There are several aspects to why women feel romantic during periods. It can be hormonal, psychological, or just the craving for an emotional connection. During the menstruation cycle, our hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA go haywire, which causes us to have mood swings.
Many people experience changes in their appetites before their periods—including food cravings or increased appetite (Yonkers, 2008). A week of indulging in cravings (especially salty and carbohydrate-rich foods) can elevate your salt levels and contribute to bloating and weight gain surrounding your period.
For one, you don't burn more calories on your period, contrary to some locker room chatter. If anything, Sims says you burn slightly more calories when your hormones are higher (known as the post-ovulation luteal phase) because your heart rate, respiratory rate, and core temperature increase.
The menstrual cycle does not directly impact weight loss or gain, but there may be some secondary connections. On the list of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms are changes in appetite and food cravings, and that can affect weight.
Langan says. Period weight gain usually goes away about three to five days after your period starts. However, there are some instances where it might be best to speak with a doctor who can determine if there are other issues at play besides your period.
So, in the end, while we may feel hungry just before, or during, our periods for several societal, physiological, and psychological reasons, we do not need to consume more Calories.
The menstrual cycle itself doesn't seem to affect weight gain or loss. But having a period may affect your weight in other ways. Many women get premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS can cause you to crave and eat more sweet or salty foods than normal.
Some women gain more than others. You can expect to gain 500 grams to 1.5 kilos of weight when you are bleeding. In case you think you are gaining a lot of weight, then speak to your doctor regarding this. It can be due to endocrine or kidney related issues.
Weight gain or fluctuation may occur in some during their luteal phase (a little before the period begins) when progesterone levels rise. High progesterone levels can trigger increased appetite or cravings, which we will discuss in further detail below.
“Kissing is great if you have a headache or menstrual cramps,” says Demirjian. You may be inclined to wave away advances when you're curled into an achy ball, but the blood-vessel dilation brought on by a good long smooching session can really help ease your pain.
It all depends on the couple and how they feel about having sex when a girl has her period. Some girls (and guys) don't like the idea of having sex during a period. Some see it as a natural monthly break in the action. Others are perfectly comfortable with it.
Estrogen: the post-period savior.
Estrogen works well with the serotonin receptors. Serotonin is the “happiness” hormone in our bodies. As a result of this relationship, estrogen can have an antidepressant effect in the body.
“Progesterone gives you water retention, commonly called as bloating or fullness in thighs. This leads to a rise in weight, but is not responsible for the change in fat increases”, she explains. Also, during PMSing you face major mood swings and cravings.
Period weight gain does not mean that you have gained the lost fat again. It is just water retention that happens due to change in the level of hormones and excessive intake of salty and unhealthy food items. Water weight gain is temporary and you lose it within a week after your monthly menstrual cycle ends.
Water retention is one of the most common symptoms of PMS and affects 92% of individuals who menstruate. In fact, water retention can cause weight fluctuations by as much as 2-4 pounds. This is because progesterone and estrogen are involved in fluid regulation.
More estrogen is made early in the cycle and it peaks just before mid-cycle. This causes the breast ducts to grow in size. The progesterone level peaks near the 21st day (in a 28-day cycle). This causes growth of the breast lobules (milk glands).
The luteal phase: high hormones
The body burns more fat during the luteal phase, as the peak in oestrogen and progesterone suppress gluconeogenesis (the making of sugar from protein and fat).
Recent research suggests that diets high in inflammatory foods such as meat, oil, sugar, and salt can contribute to period cramps.
Things you should avoid
“Consumption of excess salt causes water retention that leads to bloating during your period,” said Dr Patil. In fact, also avoid spicy food since it can upset your stomach and cause acid refluxes. “Avoid drinks like coffee, energy drinks etc as they can cause headaches and constipation.