Ladies, picture this: you're minding your own business when suddenly, like a gust of wind sweeping in from nowhere, an insatiable craving for chocolate, chips, or cheeseburgers engulfs you. The culprits behind this culinary chaos? Your hormones, courtesy of your upcoming period. But why do we experience these voracious, almost comically gluttonous food cravings when Aunt Flo comes to town? Let's dive into the scientific and amusing explanations behind this monthly phenomenon.
- The Hormonal Havoc: Oestrogen & Progesterone
Oestrogen: As your period approaches, the levels of oestrogen in your body start doing the cha-cha. This hormone can influence your brain's reward centre, making you more sensitive to pleasurable sensations, especially when it comes to tasty treats. It's like your brain's way of saying, "Hey, you deserve some extra happiness during this time."
Progesterone: Just when you thought oestrogen was the party crasher, in comes progesterone. This hormone can sap your energy and, in an effort to combat the slump, you might find yourself reaching for sugary, carby delights to give you a boost. You're not really gluttonous; you're just fighting off the period-induced fatigue!
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: PMS Drama
Now, let's talk about the emotional aspect. PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) is like having a little emotional imp whispering in your ear, "Wouldn't a giant slice of pizza be the answer to all your problems right now?" And let's face it, that imp can be pretty persuasive.
- The Iron Deficiency Dilemma
When your period arrives, you're also bidding farewell to a portion of your iron reserves. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in your blood. So, it's possible that your body's wise way of telling you to replenish those lost iron levels is by screaming "chocolate!" at you. After all, chocolate is a good source of iron, right?
- The Chocolate Connection
There's something particularly magnetic about chocolate during your period. Why, you ask? Well, aside from the aforementioned iron content, chocolate also contains serotonin precursors. Serotonin is the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, so consuming chocolate can genuinely boost your mood. It's almost like a self-prescribed happiness medicine.
So, there you have it – the science and emotions, behind those gluttonous period cravings. While it's always a good idea to balance your diet and give in to your cravings in moderation, it's also worth acknowledging that your period-induced feelings are perfectly normal and sometimes even necessary. So go ahead, enjoy that chocolate bar, embrace your carb cravings, and remember, it's all just part of the beautiful, albeit occasionally quirky, experience of being a woman.
