Hunger increases before your period due to hormonal shifts in the luteal phase, when progesterone rises and peaks while estrogen declines.
Hormonal Causes
Progesterone stimulates appetite and boosts ghrelin, the "hunger hormone," leading to stronger cravings for carbs and sweets. Estrogen normally suppresses hunger, but its drop makes progesterone dominant, reducing insulin sensitivity and causing cells to seek more energy from food.
Metabolic Factors
Your basal metabolic rate rises slightly (up to 9.4%) premenstrually to prepare for potential energy needs, amplifying hunger signals. Lower serotonin from these changes can also drive emotional eating for comfort.
