If you find yourself craving sweets, carbs, or comfort food before or during your period, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Period cravings are common and are largely linked to changes in your hormones and serotonin levels. While it’s normal to want your favorite snacks, understanding why these cravings happen can help you manage them better (without the guilt!).
Here’s what causes period cravings and how you can make smarter choices when they hit.
What Causes Period Cravings?
Hormonal shifts throughout your menstrual cycle can affect your brain chemistry—especially serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for stabilizing mood and managing appetite.
When serotonin levels dip before your period, your body naturally searches for ways to boost it. Carbohydrate-rich foods help increase serotonin by helping tryptophan reach the brain. This is why you may suddenly crave pasta, bread, chocolate, or anything sweet.
In short:
Lower serotonin → stronger cravings for carbs and sweets → comfort eating mode activated.
It’s not just in your head. Your body is trying to feel better.
What Healthier Choices Can You Make?
There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to comfort food. But if you want options that won’t make you feel sluggish afterward or if you don’t have your favorite snack on hand, try healthier swaps like:
- Fresh fruits (for sweetness and fiber)
- Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate
- Whole-grain bread or pasta
- Nuts or yogurt for a filling, protein-rich snack
- Smoothies for a sweet, nutritious fix
The goal isn’t to deprive yourself—it’s to find balance.
A Gentle Reminder
You’re not the only one raiding your snack stash before your period. Instead of feeling guilty about your cravings, listen to your body and honor what it needs. If that means pizza and ice cream once a month, go for it. Cravings are a normal part of the menstrual cycle, and taking care of yourself—physically and emotionally—is what matters most.
Sources
Helton, B. (2023, February 22). Period cravings: What they are and why they happen. Business Insider. Retrieved from
https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/period-cravings
