Midnight chocolate runs, an abrupt fondness for crisps, or an unstoppable craving for a burger. Sounds familiar, right? If your period cravings strike seriously every single month, you are certainly not alone. But those cravings are more than just whims; they are messages from your hormones, and your body is trying to communicate something important to you.
Rather than guilt-tripping once again after a sugar spree, consider this: your cravings could very well be intelligent, instinctive reactions to bodily shifts. Dr. Alka Chaudhary clarifies that such patterns tend to mirror what your body lacks or is having trouble regulating because of hormonal fluctuations.
Dr. Payal Chaudhary, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Rosewalk by Rainbow Hospital, agrees, saying that period cravings are not a sign of weakness but the body’s clever way of rebalancing itself.
Craving sweets or chocolate?
Both Dr. Alka and Dr.Payal point to a common issue: a drop in serotonin. As oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate in the days before your period, serotonin—the brain’s “feel-good” chemical—can take a dip. This can trigger mood swings and sugar cravings, with chocolate being the only option. It is not just the sugar; chocolate also contains compounds that give a mini mood boost.
Got a thing for salty snacks?
Dr. Alka says that a spike in aldosterone, a hormone involved in regulating sodium and water balance, might be behind your sudden salt lust. These shifts can cause bloating and water retention, and salt cravings are your body’s attempt to manage it. Dr. Payal concurs, warning that overdoing the sodium might actually worsen bloating.
Craving red meat or protein-heavy meals?
Here is where your iron levels come into play. According to both doctors, blood loss during menstruation can lead to a dip in iron and B12 levels. Dr. Alka points out that this can leave you feeling unusually tired or dizzy—hence the body’s nudge toward iron-rich foods like red meat. Dr. Payal adds that plant-based options like lentils and leafy greens can help too, especially for those with heavier periods.
Suddenly in the mood for greasy or fatty foods?
You might want to blame prostaglandins, says Dr. Alka. These hormone-like compounds help the uterus contract but can also increase pain and inflammation. Fried or processed fatty foods may feel soothing in the moment, but Dr. Payal cautions they can actually make cramps worse. On the bright side? Not all fat is the bad guy. Both experts suggest healthy alternatives such as avocado, nuts, or oily fish to reduce inflammation.
Finding yourself attracted to non-food items such as ice or dirt?
That is not merely a strange quirk—it may be pica, an iron deficiency-related condition. Dr. Alka warns this is a red flag in medicine, one that should not be disregarded. Dr. Payal suggests that if cravings occur on a regular basis, a doctor should be consulted and nutrient levels checked.
