Why Do We Feel Hungrier During Our Periods?

You know how it goes, just when Aunt Flo is about to arrive, her bestie Hunger decides to tag along. Suddenly, the chips look extra crunchy, the chocolate feels irresistible, and you’re wondering why you’re rummaging through the fridge at midnight.

If this idea struck a chord with you, you are not alone - many women experience cravings leading up to or during their period. It's not because losing blood burns calories (which is a myth by the way). It's simply that your hormones are messing with your appetite and pushing you towards salty, sugary, and carb-heavy foods. 

In this post, let's discuss why these cravings occur and how you can choose to manage them without guilt.

Does your period make you burn more calories?

So, does your period actually make you burn more calories? Well, not really. Sure, your resting metabolic rate (that’s just the fancy term for the energy your body burns while doing absolutely nothing) does go up a little when Aunt Flo is in town. But here’s the thing, it’s not the massive calorie bonfire we often assume it is. During the luteal phase (that window right before your period when hormones are busy doing their thing), women burned only about 100–300 extra calories.

To put that into perspective, that’s like eating a small sandwich or maybe a whole avocado, not exactly the green light for finishing off an entire pizza or family-sized bag of chips. So if you’ve ever comforted yourself with, “It’s fine, I’m burning so much more right now,” sorry to break it to you, but Aunt Flo’s bestie Hunger is more about hormones than some magical calorie burn.

Why do I Feel Hungrier During Periods?

When Aunt Flo shows up, she rarely comes alone. She usually brings her bestie Hunger right to your doorstep, and suddenly you’re craving fries, cookies, or anything that feels like comfort food. But why does this happen? Why do you feel hungrier, moodier, and more snack-obsessed than usual during this time? The answer lies in your hormones, they’re the real puppeteers behind those cravings. Here’s what’s really going on inside your body:

Progesterone takes the lead

Right before and during your period, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. One of progesterone’s side effects? It nudges your appetite upward. That’s why you might notice yourself opening the fridge more often than usual these days.

Estrogen plays its rise-and-fall game

Estrogen is like that friend who keeps changing plans. It rises, falls, then rises again. When estrogen dips (especially mid-cycle), it can make you hungrier because estrogen normally helps suppress appetite. Add mood swings into the mix, and suddenly chocolate feels like an emotional lifesaver.

Cortisol, the “stress hormone”

Cortisol levels often rise during the follicular phase (the first half of your cycle). And when cortisol is high, it can mess with your appetite, pushing you toward more sugary or salty foods. That’s why PMS often feels like a storm of cravings- you’re not just “weak,” your stress hormone is literally pulling strings.

The blood sugar rollercoaster

Hormonal ups and downs also affect your blood sugar regulation, which can leave you feeling hungrier and craving quick-fix energy foods, like carbs and sweets.

So, when Aunt Flo is knocking on the door and Hunger is right beside her, know that it’s not just your willpower slipping. Your hormones are shifting gears, and your body is responding. Understanding this makes it easier to show yourself some kindness instead of guilt-tripping over that extra cookie. After all, sometimes what you need most is just a little balance, and maybe a snack that fuels you without the sugar crash.

Why Do I Crave Carbs and Sugar On My Period?

When Aunt Flo rolls into town, suddenly the bread basket, the cookie jar, and that hidden stash of chocolate all start calling your name. And no, it’s not just you being “weak”, there are real reasons behind those carb and sugar cravings.

Cortisol and the comfort food connection

During your period, cortisol, the stress hormone, tends to rise. And when cortisol goes up, so does your desire for foods that feel comforting, like fries, cake, or anything cheesy and carb-heavy. These foods give you that instant “ahh” moment because they hit your brain with quick satisfaction. Pair that with cramps, bloating, and irritability, and it makes sense that your body is reaching for anything that feels soothing. Basically, comfort food becomes your emotional (and physical) hot water bottle.

Sugar, carbs, and the serotonin boost

Here’s the science-y but fun part: carbs and sugar make your brain release more serotonin- the “feel good” hormone. And when you’re dealing with cramps, mood swings, or fatigue, that serotonin hit is exactly what your body is craving. That’s why a bowl of pasta or a slice of cake feels so much more appealing than a salad when you’re curled up in bed.

How do I Handle my Hunger during Periods?

When Aunt Flo comes knocking and brings along her partner-in-crime Hunger, it can feel like your appetite is running the show. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re craving a whole pizza or digging into chocolate like it’s your last bar on earth. The point is you don’t have to battle your hunger - you just have to deal with it in a way that makes you feel good (and not guilty). Here’s a few ideas to help you maintain balance:

Don’t deny the hunger - eat smart

Real hunger = eat! Your body is requesting energy when you are hungry, and ignoring it generally leads to overeating eventually. It’s important, when possible, to always seek food that will fill you up. Foods that have volume, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, something high in protein, and those choices satiate hunger and cravings without the crash.

Balance comfort with nourishment

It’s totally okay to have that brownie or bowl of pasta. But pairing it with something nourishing helps you feel fuller for longer. For example, if you want chocolate, try dark chocolate with some almonds. If pasta’s on your mind, add some veggies and protein to it. Comfort + nutrition = happy hormones.

Stay hydrated

Sometimes what feels like hunger is actually thirst. And during your period, bloating can trick you into thinking you shouldn’t drink much, but hydration actually eases bloating and keeps cravings in check. Keep a bottle of water or herbal tea nearby; it makes a bigger difference than you think.

Manage stress (because cortisol is a sneaky one)

Remember that stress hormone, cortisol? When it spikes, so do cravings. Gentle movement, stretching, a warm bath, or even just taking a break can calm your system down. Less stress = fewer frantic kitchen raids.

Be kind to yourself

Most importantly, don’t guilt-trip yourself over cravings. Period hunger is real, and it’s hormonally driven. Some days you’ll eat more, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s balance- fuel your body, enjoy your treats, and cut yourself some slack.

Because honestly, Aunt Flo is tough enough- no need to let guilt crash the party too.

Conclusion

As a reminder, period cravings are not a sign of you're weak. They're simply a byproduct of the body's attempt to cope with the hormonal upset that comes with Aunt Flow's arrival. You might want some chocolate, sometimes you might want something salty, sometimes you might just want an extra helping of carbs, and that's completely legitimate. It's all about balance, giving your body what it wants, and treating yourself with kindness instead of guilt. Food can be comforting, but we have to remember that there are other means of getting through people's days. 

A period pain relief gadget like Welme, for instance, can change the game. It alleviates cramps so you don't have to be eating comfort foods and distracting yourself from pain. In conjunction with mindful eating, rest, and hydration, you can see a gentler and more controllable cycle.