Feel Loss Of Appetite During Periods? Doctors Explain The Link

Several women claim that they experience a significant loss of appetite during their periods. The menstrual cycle causes several changes in a woman's body, including her appetite. Each body reacts differently to menstruation, as some have a strong craving for particular foods, while others experience almost no hunger due to symptoms like gas, bloating, and constipation.

To understand why some individuals experience a lack of hunger, how hormonal changes affect eating choices, and what natural remedies can be help to bring back the appetite, we spoke to Dr Deepthi Ashwin, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aster Whitefield Hospital Bengaluru and Dr Jyoti Mishra, Director & HOD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology Advanced Gynae Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeon Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida.

Loss Of Appetite During Periods

During menstruation, the body undergoes psychological changes which can naturally lead to a decreased appetite. Dr Deepthi Ashwin shared, “The uterine contractions necessary to shed the lining are often accompanied by cramps, nausea, and digestive system sensitivity, all of which tend to lessen the desire for food.”

She explained that the decrease of progesterone at the very beginning of the period can make the person feel less hungry, while the presence of inflammation and water retention can contribute to a feeling of heaviness, thus further suppressing the appetite.

“The fall of oestrogen and progesterone during menstruation can transiently dampen appetite. Menstrual pain, cramping, and bloating cause a lot of discomfort, which also results in not feeling hungry,” mentioned Dr Jyoti Mishra.

Hormonal Changes Affect Eating Desires

As shared by Dr Mishra, Oestrogen is an appetite suppressant and progesterone is an appetite stimulant. “Fluctuating levels of these hormones throughout the menstrual cycle affect the serotonin level, which is a chemical that modulates mood, influences cravings, and how hungry we feel,” She added. Below are a few hormonal changes that significantly affect hunger:

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Oestrogen

Dr Ashwin explained that before a period, there is a short high of oestrogen. The hormone is known to have anorectic effects, to slow digestion, and to facilitate the binding of serotonin to its receptors, which can improve mood and reduce cravings. “This hormonal peak can coincide with the very beginning of menstruation, thus creating an anorectic effect,” she stated.

Progesterone

In the luteal phase, the week prior to menstruation, progesterone is abundant, causing an increase in the desire for food and cravings, most specifically for carbs and sweet things. “As soon as your period starts, the progesterone level goes down rapidly; thus, the removal of this hunger-inducing effect is a significant reason why the desire to eat decreases,” Dr Ashwin explained.

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Serotonin Changes

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter related to mood and appetite, drops together with oestrogen during the premenstrual phase but returns to normal during menstruation. Dr Ashwin shared, “This continuous shift contributes to reducing emotional eating and cravings and makes one feel more neutral towards food and different tastes.”

Menstrual-Phase Shift

Dr Ashwin stated that just before your period, your body's metabolism is a bit more active, and it slows down during menstruation. The body may actually be in need of fewer calories, and this is why the hunger signals are diminished.

Emotional and Physical Factors in Loss of Appetite

During the menstrual cycle, women go through a considerable shift in their emotional and physical health. Both of these factors also have a significant contribution to the loss of appetite. Here are a few shared by Dr Ashwin:

• Menstrual cramps and uterine contractions cause nausea and give the feeling that the stomach is compressed.
• Bloating and water retention can generate a false sense of being full.
• Tiredness, low mood, or irritability may make you lose the motivation to eat.
• Gastrointestinal changes such as constipation or diarrhoea, which are common during menstruation, are major causes of loss of appetite.
• The increase in inflammatory substances, prostaglandins, may be responsible for irritation of the digestive tract, which results in temporary loss of appetite.

Combined, these physical and psychological factors are a natural cause of hunger suppression in a large number of people.

Natural Ways to Help Stimulate Appetite During Menstruation

While a small lack of hunger is not an issue, continuous loss and not eating enough throughout the periods week can lead to weakness, dizziness, and other health problems. Dr Ashwin shared that one does not have to rush to the doctor each time, as there are a few natural ways that help stimulate appetite during the menstrual cycle:

• One should opt to eat in small portions, warm, and frequent meals. Warm food helps to relax the abdominal muscles and relieve cramps.
• Drink Ginger tea or lemon-ginger water. It not only helps in regulating the digestive process but also in reducing nausea.
• Light physical activity, such as short walks or stretching, not only improves gut motility but also naturally energises the body and, therefore, increases appetite.
• Adding gentle spices such as cumin, fennel, ajwain, cinnamon, and black pepper to your food can aid the digestive system without being irritating.
• During this period, one should go for easy-to-digest foods. Khichdi, soups, warm porridges, and stews can help to increase your calorie intake without causing heaviness and gastric issues.
• Often, the body can confuse dehydration for hunger; therefore, drinking warm water or herbal teas can be helpful.

Conclusion

Feeling heavy and having a lack of hunger during periods is fairly normal among women. However, it might increase with growing age or in women who lack physical activity. Having this experience sometimes is not a situation to worry about, but in severe cases, it can lead to dizziness, vomiting, weakness, and other health issues. Incorporating healthy habits such as going for a walk, eating light and warm foods, and drinking plenty of water during period days helps you get back your appetite naturally.