You likely don’t need us to remind you that a menstrual cycle involves much more than just your period. Hormones, emotions, and symptoms are in an up-and-down cycle, and the impacts go beyond bleeding.
One of the purported alterations is that while you’re on your period, your body burns more calories even when at rest. Find out if this is true by continuing to read.
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Calorie burning during your menstruation
It’s not necessarily the case that you burn more calories when you’re on your period, according to researchers. It’s difficult to establish whether the conclusions are unquestionably correct because the majority of studies on this subject use tiny sample sizes.
How about the previous week or two?
Women had a somewhat higher RMR during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, according to another study that was published in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. The interval between ovulation and the beginning of the subsequent menstrual cycle is known as this.
According to another researcher, RMR may rise directly during ovulation. Your body releases an egg at this time in preparation for possible fertilisation.
Melinda Manore, PhD, RD, Emeritus Professor of Nutrition at Oregon State University, claims that resting metabolic rate fluctuates during the menstrual cycle and increases for a few days during ovulation. Despite this, the body adapts to these slight variations in RMR, and weight usually remains stable throughout the cycle with the possible exception of water retention.
Will doing out while on your period increase your calorie burn?
Although you should continue to work out frequently, there is no evidence that doing out while you are on your period causes you to burn more calories. However, exercising can improve your physical well-being during your period by alleviating symptoms like cramping and back pain.
Why do you feel hungry if not?
The week before your period, according to a research in the European Journal of Nutrition, your hunger does increase.
Sunni Mumford, PhD, the Earl Stadtman Investigator in the Epidemiology Branch of Intramural Population Health Research at the National Institutes of Health and study co-author, states that “we found that there are increases in food cravings and protein intake, particularly animal protein intake, during the luteal phase of the cycle.”
According to a 2010 study, women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are more prone than women without the disease to seek high-fat and sweet foods during the luteal phase.
Additional signs
Other symptoms may be brought on by fluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, according to research. These consist of:
According to a study in the journal Physiology & Behavior, women’s olfactory sensitivity increases around the middle of the luteal cycle.
According to a study in the journal Psychology, women spend more money on clothing, jewellery, and cosmetics during the ovulatory period.
Advice on how to manage period hunger
Your menstrual cycle may play a role in your cravings for sweet or fatty foods. In most cases, a small serving of these items will satisfy the craving. Perhaps all you need is three fries or a small piece of dark chocolate.
Mumford advises, “[Try] to choose healthful snacks and alternatives.” Therefore, choose a serving of fruit to help with sugar cravings or whole-grain crackers or nuts for cravings for salty foods.
Other actions to take are:
- eating more often and in fewer portions
- combining a protein-rich snack with some carbohydrates, like a half-turkey sandwich, a half-whole-wheat bagel with peanut butter, or a few cheese cubes and a handful of nuts
- exercising, going around, or walking
The conclusion
RMR has been reported to alter throughout the menstrual cycle in studies, however the findings are sparse, inconsistent, and highly individual. Before your period, during the luteal phase, you might have a slightly higher RMR.
Typically, improvements in metabolic rate are insufficient to increase caloric expenditure or necessitate a higher caloric intake. Additionally, some people have cravings or increased hunger at this time, which could cancel out any small boost. Advice on how to manage period hunger
Your menstrual cycle may play a role in your cravings for sweet or fatty foods. In most cases, a small serving of these items will satisfy the craving. Perhaps all you need is three fries or a small piece of dark chocolate.
Try to select wholesome snacks and substitutes.
RMR has been reported to alter throughout the menstrual cycle in studies, however the findings are sparse, inconsistent, and highly individual. Before your period, during the luteal phase, you might have a slightly higher RMR.
Typically, improvements in metabolic rate are insufficient to increase caloric expenditure or necessitate a higher caloric intake. Additionally, some people have cravings or increased hunger at this time, which could cancel out any small boost. Advice on how to manage period hunger
Your menstrual cycle may play a role in your cravings for sweet or fatty foods. In most cases, a small serving of these items will satisfy the craving. Perhaps all you need is three fries or a small piece of dark chocolate.
