0
0

How do high levels of progesterone impact our hunger?

juice and a plate of fruit
Published 16 September 2024
Picture of <span>Reviewed by</span> <span class="show-reviewed-name"></span>

Reviewed by

Fact checking standards
Every piece of content at Hormona adheres to the highest editorial standards for language, style, and medical accuracy. To learn what we do to, check out our content review principles.
Key takeaways

Sweets. Takeaways. Cakes, ice cream, crisps, bubbles… What are we talking about? Well, aside from being a kickass shopping list, this is the sort of thing high levels of Progesterone can make you crave. Yup, turns out it really is your period that’s forcing you to open that second carton of Dulce de Leche…

What is Progesterone anyway?

As you may already know, Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced in your ovaries. Levels generally reach their peak during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, when ovulation occurs.

And that’s because Progesterone is responsible for making sure your uterus is ready should an egg get fertilized. If it doesn’t, the levels drop, kick-starting the shedding of your uterus lining and, in turn, your period.

What do high levels of Progesterone do?

As part of your menstrual cycle, higher Progesterone levels can cause symptoms associated with PMS.

These include:

  • bloating
  • constipation
  • fatigue
  • irritability
  • tender breasts
  • depression
  • low libido

High Progesterone can also make you feel more hungry, more often.

Hungrier than usual? It could be Progesterone

Have you ever noticed your need for all things chocolate in the run-up to your period? Does the thought of an empty fridge cause Elton John-level histrionics? Chances are, high levels of progesterone are to blame.

Progesterone and Estrogen are in charge of both the follicular and luteal phases of your menstrual cycle. When Estrogen is in control, you’ll be less hungry. But these levels drop during the luteal phase, and high levels of progesterone take over. That increases your hunger and causes you to feel less full after that giant bar of chocolate.

High levels of progesterone can also stimulate another hormone. Grehlin, also known as the “hunger hormone,”  which is produced in your stomach. And guess what? It also makes you eat more.

What food do high levels of Progesterone make me crave?

Simple – everything! High levels of Progesterone seem to increase hunger in general. However, lots of us find ourselves drawn to carb-heavy, salty or sugary food. And here’s why: Sweet and starchy food causes your body to release mood-boosting Serotonin.

And there’s no such thing as too much Serotonin during your period, you know? Whatever you’re craving, from chocolate to chips and everything in between, do us a favor. Don’t feel guilty about giving into the cravings. Remember, it’s just your hormones!

Now, where’s that spoon…


Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical adviceThe information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Written by

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Author picture

Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.

History of updates
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

ON THIS PAGE

Related articles

back of a woman with blond hair

What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy?

As we age, women begin to experience hormonal changes commonly associated with menopause. In fact, more than 85% of all women have one or more menopausal symptoms, so you’re not alone. While changes to your body are normal, they shouldn’t

water bubbles on black background

Understanding ovulation bleeding: What you need to know

What is ovulation bleeding? Spotting or bleeding at any time other than your period can be scary and confusing, but it doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong. To better understand why you may experience ovulation bleeding, it’s important to quickly

jug of water being poured in glasses

Bloating before period? Yes, it’s a real thing.

It must be that time of the month again…or is it? Wait, didn’t I just get my period a couple of weeks ago? So, why am I so bloated? While most of us expect to feel bloated during our period,

Välj valuta

[woocs]