Is it normal… to eat more on your period?
Tempted to wolf your advent calendar down in one sitting?
says Dr Shahzadi Harper, founder of The Harper Clinic. “It’s also common to feel hungrier during the first couple of days of menstruation too – as your progesterone hormone is more dominant and your oestrogen levels are declining.”
Your body is working hard (which also explains why some feel hotter while menstruating), Dr Harper adds, so needs up to 200 or so extra calories per day during this time of the month.
However, if you find yourself feeling ravenous throughout your entire cycle, it could be down to an overactive thyroid (other symptoms include shaking, not gaining weight and palpitations). “If you’re also experiencing these, it’s important to get it checked out.” Eating slow-release carbs (such as oats or wholegrain bread) throughout the days leading up to, and during the start of, your period will help you to feel fuller for longer too.