I must admit I thought my intense chocolate cravings during my period (even more than most days) was unique. Chocolate is blissful perfection to our taste buds, and maybe that is why most of us crave it during this phase of our menstrual cycle. For a long time it has been my go-to reward snack, and after all, what better time to reward yourself than during your period? While some scientists think it’s simply a cultural desire, others believe it is hormonal. So who is right? Let’s find out.
In general, women crave a variety of foods during our periods. The most commonly craved foods are carbs, sweets and fats. Chocolate offers a perfect combination of sweet and fat, and is one of the most craved food/snacks based on studies carried out in women in the USA, UK and Spain. In fact, almost 50% (!) of American women say they crave chocolate just before their menses. As we already know, during the luteal phase of our menstrual cycle (which happens just before menses), the rise in progesterone can increase our cravings for food and chocolate is clearly no exception.
Why women eat chocolate during their period
Scientists have been going crazy trying to understand why we crave chocolate. Their curiosity has led to many studies in women from different countries to better understand this specific phenomenon. I must say, the results aren’t conclusive, indicating no clear scientific explanation for why we desire so much chocolate during our period. What the studies showed were cultural influences; chocolate over time has been branded a reward snack, and so our brain has convinced our body that we deserve a reward for the hard work that is our menstrual cycle. And since our period comes with mood swings, chocolate helps us stimulate serotonin making us feel better instantly, while waiting out the bleeding and pain.
Speaking of which, if you suffer from debilitating cramps, check out this comprehensive guide on managing period pain. We’ve also reviewed Livia in the past, and highly recommend it as the leading menstrual pain relief device. Check it out (as well as Jovi patches) if you or anyone you know suffers from debilitating cramps and wants drug-free relief.
Why do periods make you crave chocolate?
During the luteal phase which is the period extending from ovulation to right before your menses begins, progesterone levels increase. This increase in progesterone will in turn increase your appetite for any food especially sweets, carbs and fatty foods. So there is every possibility that chocolate cravings during your period stem from a combination of hormonal fluctuation, in addition to your love for chocolate. We can safely blame this progesterone increase as an explanation as to why women crave chocolate. What’s not clear is how much it contributes.
Is chocolate good for period cramps?
Ladies, we have got some good news here. It turns out that various studies prove that chocolate is actually good for our period. Dark chocolate contains vitamin A, B1, B6, Omega 3 and 6, unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants (flavonoid polyphenols), calcium, high magnesium content, and potassium, all of which can help control the pain and stimulate the production of serotonin to help improve our mood. So, yes, you can eat dark chocolate, but remember, it’s all about portion control.
Does chocolate help cramps?
Yes, I’m happy to report that certain kinds of chocolate can help alleviate period pain. Dark chocolate contains so many nutrients but one very important mineral it contains in high amounts is magnesium, which, according to studies, may inhibit the production of prostaglandins; prostaglandins increase uterine contractions, causing pain (cramps); because magnesium has the tendency to inhibit the production of these prostaglandins, it helps to reduce pain. Aside from that, magnesium helps regulate uterine muscle contraction and relaxation, also reducing pain.
Can you control your chocolate cravings?
Yes, you can and you should. Progesterone levels during the luteal phase can give rise to increased appetite for foods like chocolate, but this is not an exaggerated increase that can result in an addiction or loss of control. Chocolate has great health benefits and is a perfect comfort food but as we know, an excess of anything is bad. Portion control is everything.
What's the relationship between PMS and craving chocolate?
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is a group of signs and symptoms that many women present during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. 1 in 3 women suffer from PMS, and 1 in every 20 women with PMS suffers a more severe form of it. There is no known cause of PMS but high levels of progesterone during the luteal phase and low levels of serotonin have been implicated. One of the symptoms of PMS is increased food craving and overeating. People with PMS tend to crave different foods amongst which is chocolate and they tend to eat more than usual. There is no specific reason for craving chocolate but we know that during the luteal phase we crave more carbs, sweets and fats.
Other symptoms of PMS are listed below:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Tender and lumpy breasts
- Abdominal bloating
- Acne
- Headaches
- Loss of interest in sex
If you experience any combination of these symptoms just before or during your menses, you probably have PMS. Luckily there are treatments to alleviate these symptoms, like these vitamins for PMS prevention.
Should I be worried about these cravings?
Increased cravings during our period are normal. Remember it is as a result of increased progesterone levels in the luteal phase, so no need to panic. As with everything else, we have to indulge our cravings with moderation. Controlling the portion of whatever food we crave and taking a walk or doing some kind of exercise will help us keep the calories at bay and control our weight gain.
The bottom line on chocolate during your period
At the end of the day, a lot of changes are going on in our body during menstruation and those changes can result in craving carbs or sweets. For most women, it is a craving for chocolate which is probably due to cultural reasons, for others, it might be pastries, certain drinks, etc. Dark chocolate has been proven to have health benefits and reduce menstrual cramps. So go ahead and indulge your chocolate cravings or whatever you crave without forgetting to control your portions.