.... oestrogen peaks just prior to ovulation, during the late follicular phase... it then slowly decreases (with one more 'small peak') during the luteal phase/ post ovulation (it is the cells around the maturing egg(s) that are responsible for secretion of oestrogen - so when the egg(s) are released these cells change and oestrogen decreases)...
So when you crave is where progesterone levels are + (++)...
And most of the evidence (in both animals and humans) suggest it is this combination of the lower oestrogen and higher progesterone that results in the increased hunger (Progesterone is basically the 'baby hormone'... it is what maintains the body in 'you are pregnant mode' and helps to establish the foetus (until you start to get other things having more of a role)).
Other things that occur are an increase in cortisol levels, and a drop in your serotonin --> and both of these increases carb cravings BIG TIME (and play the wacky with your blood sugar too)... And there is also a slight increase in your metabolic rate during the luteal phase too - which stimulates hunger...
Lastly - there also seems to be electrolyte changes that occur (mag especially seen to decrease) - which are probably related to changes in mineralocorticoids (stimulated when you stimulate cortisol)... And this is thought to cause cravings too (especially of the chocolate kind)...
Basically ->>>
increased metabolic rate
falling oestrogen
increased progesterone
increased cortisol
decreased serotonin
(magnesium / electrolyte odd-ness)
+ other things....
^^
All these combine to give ick.
My advice is not to 'fight' it but instead - you are better off to go with the flow and increase your intake slightly over the week before your cycle (eg: add 50-100 cals.... my choice is a yummy bit of dark chocolate to help with the magnesium issues
).
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