Menstrual Delights: Why Do I Crave Chocolate During My Period?

Do you ever find yourself craving chocolate right before or during your period? You’re not alone! Millions of women seek out chocolaty goodness during their perimenstrual days.

Multiple studies have looked into why we crave chocolate so much during our monthly cycle. And while you indulge in that tasty treat that you immediately sought out after seeing the photo above, here’s some of what these studies uncovered:

While one might think that we crave chocolate due to the changing hormone balance during our cycle, science indicates that the craving may actually be a learned behavioral response.

Say what?

Research suggests that chocolate cravings might be the response to the stress of your upcoming period. When we become stressed, our body releases the stress hormone, cortisol. In America, we tend to use chocolate as a treat when we do something good or when we’re feeling bad. When we indulge in something pleasurable, like chocolate, our feel-good hormone, serotonin, increases. So the chocolate comes first, then the happy hormones.

Women tend to stop craving chocolate when their periods start and there’s no hormone change during your period. SOME women.

Regardless of the why we indulge, it’s essential to remember that chocolate has numerous health benefits, like:

• Reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Improves cognitive function.
• It’s high in antioxidants and low in sugar (dark chocolate).

And, it just tastes good. You should probably get some now…

Photo courtesy of UberFacts