Why am I so hungry on my period?

Question

I normally eat an average amount and try to stay healthy, but when it’s that time of the month I just want to eat everything! No matter how much or what I eat, I’m always extremely hungry on my period. I don’t understand why I want to eat so much more because I’m usually bloated and overall not feeling well. Why does my appetite increase so much during that time of the month?

Answer 1

I believe it’s almost the same for most of girls; but rather than feel hungry, my case is a slightly different, I feel thirsty all the time, from several days before aunt flow begins until it’s completely over. At first, I didn’t quite get it why suddenly I drank that much water, which is odd cuz I don’t drink that much water at all, I thought there was something wrong with my body, but gradually I realized I did not always feel thirsty and it’s only happened before aunt flow started, that how I get it it’s the same with girls who get so hungry on their period, me just not hungry but thirsty.

Answer 2

Oh my goodness I get this as well! How horrible is it? You try so hard to stay on the diet, but that time of the month rolls around and all of a sudden I turn into an eating monster! I have a theory that it’s to make up for all the other terrible things happening – you’re tired, you’re cranky, you’re cramping and you feel like you might burst into tears if someone looks at you the wrong way…Dammit! You deserve that chocolate cake! It’s just a theory, but I know that’s how I feel!

Answer 3

During your period, your body is using more calories; this is why you’re so hungry on period. You might experience excessive hunger leading up to and during your period because your body is using more calories during this time. Our menstrual cycle causes her bodily systems to do more work than they usually do, regardless of any lifestyle changes during this time or not. Although you might be less active and more stationary during your period because of other symptoms, like cramping and fatigue, your body is doing more work all on its own. As your body burns more calories, you will feel hungrier more frequently. Calories are units of energy, and food replenishes this energy. So, your body is directly telling you that you need to eat because it needs this fuel. The influx of hormones your body experiences during your period leads to intense cravings for particular foods, which also makes you want to eat these foods more.

So combined with your body burning more calories and your mind telling you that you really need certain foods, more intense hunger is common during a female’s menstrual cycle. The trick to this, however, is that the amount of extra calories your body is burning is only a very small amount, and this only occurs for a few days. Overeating still has the usual negative side effects during this time just like any other. Hope my answer to your question "why am I so hungry on my period" is helpful.

Answer 4

Nice theory above, but science has a slightly more plausible one. It’s actually pretty simple to answer the question of “why am I so hungry on my period?” Your body is working overtime in the days just before and then during your period, so you’re burning calories like a Ferrari burns through petrol. Calories give you energy, so when you burn more calories, your body wants more fuel to replace them. And scientists believe that during “that time of the month” your body can burn up to 15% more calories than usual! Throw in the crazy hormones swirling around in your body and it’s no wonder you end up with cravings for naughty things like chocolate ice cream.

Answer 5

Some people claim that you burn up to 500 more calories every day during your period, but that’s actually just a myth (probably started by an angry woman with PMT and a craving for salt and vinegar chips). The reality is more like 500 extra calories burned during the whole week, so whilst your body is burning more energy and needing more fuel, it’s not like you can go on a total binge and expect your body to just balance itself out. You’re better off trying to eat healthier foods that will give you the added energy boost without completely blowing your diet, like wholegrains, fruits and vegetables. If you’re feeling a bit like you need an emotional pick-me-up (let’s face it, PMT can be brutal) then maybe try to de-stress by doing something that you enjoy with your partner or a good friend.