It’s a common trope in movies and TV shows: a woman reaches for chocolate during her period. Many women can relate to this craving, experiencing an almost irresistible urge for chocolate in the days leading up to or during menstruation. But why do women specifically crave chocolate on their period? Is it just a cultural myth, or is there a deeper biological reason behind this monthly chocolate desire? Let’s delve into the science and cultural influences behind period-related chocolate cravings.
It’s widely acknowledged that appetite can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. You might find yourself wondering, “Why am I hungrier before my period?” Hormonal shifts are considered to be key players in these cyclical changes in appetite. Estrogen and progesterone, the primary female sex hormones, are believed to significantly influence hunger levels during different phases of the menstrual cycle.
During the follicular phase, which is the first half of the cycle leading up to ovulation, estrogen levels are dominant. Estrogen is thought to have appetite-suppressing effects. Consequently, as estrogen levels rise in the follicular phase, you might experience a decrease in hunger.
Conversely, progesterone levels increase during the luteal phase, the phase after ovulation and before menstruation. Progesterone is associated with increased appetite. As progesterone surges in the luteal phase, it can stimulate hunger. Towards the end of the cycle, when Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms often emerge, progesterone remains high while estrogen levels decline. This hormonal combination could explain why many women feel noticeably hungrier in the premenstrual and menstrual phases.
Beyond general appetite changes, specific food cravings are also a hallmark of the premenstrual and menstrual phases. Research indicates a significant increase in cravings for sweet and salty foods as women approach their periods and experience PMS. This shift in taste preference further contributes to the desire for particular comfort foods.
The exact mechanisms behind period cravings, including PMS cravings, are still being investigated. However, hormonal fluctuations are again considered a leading theory. As menstruation begins, serotonin levels tend to decrease, while cortisol, the stress hormone, levels rise. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and feelings of well-being. Lower serotonin and higher cortisol levels can create a biological drive for “comfort foods” that can temporarily boost mood and energy.
Foods high in sugar and fat, like chocolate, can trigger the release of dopamine, another neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. This dopamine rush can create a temporary sense of well-being and satisfaction, making sugary and fatty foods particularly appealing when mood and energy levels are lower due to hormonal changes.
While general food cravings are common during menstruation, chocolate cravings stand out as particularly strong and culturally recognized. Pop culture frequently portrays chocolate as the go-to comfort food for women on their periods, and even retail stores sometimes strategically place chocolate near feminine hygiene products. This cultural association raises the question: is the chocolate craving biologically driven, culturally learned, or a combination of both?
Numerous studies have explored the link between chocolate cravings and the menstrual cycle, confirming a clear correlation. However, the underlying reasons for this specific craving remain complex and not fully understood.
One potential explanation, aligning with general period cravings, is hormonal influence. It’s theorized that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle might specifically trigger chocolate cravings. However, the scientific evidence supporting a direct hormonal link unique to chocolate cravings is not conclusive.
Interestingly, a growing body of research points towards a significant role of cultural conditioning in period-related chocolate cravings. This suggests that the desire for chocolate during menstruation might be, at least in part, a learned behavior influenced by environment and societal norms.
A notable study divided women into two groups: women born and raised in the US with English as their primary language, and women from other countries who immigrated to the US and learned English later in life. The study revealed that women raised in the US were significantly more likely to report chocolate cravings before or during their periods. In contrast, the immigrant women tended to crave chocolate at times unrelated to their cycles, such as after meals or while studying.
These findings, along with similar research, suggest that craving chocolate during menstruation might be a culturally learned phenomenon to a considerable extent. Growing up in a culture where chocolate is presented as a period comfort food may shape women’s cravings and expectations.
Whether the drive behind chocolate cravings is physiological, psychological, or a blend of both, the simple fact remains that chocolate is widely enjoyed for its taste and pleasurable experience. Therefore, indulging in chocolate occasionally, especially when cravings strike during your period, can be a perfectly normal and enjoyable experience.
Beyond the comfort and taste, some believe chocolate might offer additional benefits during menstruation, particularly in alleviating cramps. Could this be another reason behind the craving?
Emerging research suggests that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, might indeed help with period cramps. Dark chocolate is a source of minerals like copper, calcium, and magnesium, which are potentially involved in pain management. Copper and calcium contribute to the production of endorphins and serotonin, natural mood boosters and pain relievers. Magnesium is known for its muscle-relaxant properties, which can help reduce muscle cramps, including menstrual cramps.
However, it’s important to note that these potential cramp-relieving benefits are primarily associated with dark chocolate, not milk chocolate. Milk chocolate typically contains higher sugar content and lower cocoa solids. While milk chocolate can provide comfort, its higher sugar content might lead to negative effects like sugar crashes or bloating, potentially counteracting any beneficial effects. Therefore, if you’re seeking potential cramp relief from chocolate, opting for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage is advisable.
Understanding your menstrual cycle and its associated symptoms, including cravings, is a key aspect of women’s health. While the precise interplay of hormones and cultural influences on chocolate cravings is still being unraveled, recognizing the multifaceted nature of these cravings is important. Whether you attribute your period chocolate craving to biology, culture, or simply the desire for a tasty treat, it’s a common experience.
For further insights into your cycle and symptom tracking, resources like the Natural Cycles app can be valuable. By understanding your individual cycle patterns, you can better anticipate and manage your needs, and yes, that might include having some dark chocolate on hand during your period.
