# Sweet Cravings and Mood Swings Before Your Period

- Page: https://www.carewithki.com/en/discover/sweet-cravings-and-mood-swings-before-your-period
- Published: 6 April 2026
- Topics: Hormonal balance, Magnesium, Vitamins
- Topic page: Menstrual Cycle and PMS https://www.carewithki.com/en/discover/topic/periods-and-pms
- Publisher: care with .ki (content principles: https://www.carewithki.com/en/editorial-policy)

![Sweet Cravings and Mood Swings Before Your Period](https://www.carewithki.com/blog/pms-doneminde-tatli-krizleri-ve-mod-degisimleri.jpg)

> Why do we crave sweets and feel grumpy before our period? The hormonal mechanism and natural ways to cope.

## Pre-Period Sweet Cravings: Not a Matter of Willpower, but a Story of Biochemistry

Slipping into "sweet hunter" mode in the kitchen as those days of the month approach is actually the result of a much more complex biochemical process than you think. As a pharmacist, one of the questions I hear most is: "Why do I want to finish more chocolate in one sitting than I would normally eat?"

The answer lies not in a lack of willpower but in the complex dance of your hormones at that time. Let's look at this process in detail, step by step.

### 1. Hormonal Fluctuation: The Effect of Oestrogen and Progesterone

In the second half of the [menstrual cycle](https://www.carewithki.com/en/discover/what-is-your-menstrual-cycle-telling-you) (the luteal phase), oestrogen and progesterone levels in our body change rapidly.

- The Drop in Oestrogen: When oestrogen levels fall, levels of serotonin (the happiness hormone) in the brain fall with them. When serotonin decreases, our body feels restless, tense and unhappy.
- Looking for a Quick Fix: Our brain knows very well the fastest way to raise this low serotonin level: simple sugars and carbohydrates. When you eat sugar, insulin is released, which makes it easier for tryptophan to enter the brain and triggers serotonin production. So that sweet craving in the moment is really your body's attempt to "feel good".

### 2. Blood Sugar Balance and Insulin Sensitivity

The progesterone that rises before your period can temporarily change how the body uses insulin (insulin sensitivity).

- This makes your blood sugar fluctuate more quickly. When your blood sugar drops quickly (a tendency towards hypoglycaemia), your body sends a signal that it urgently needs energy.
- This signal usually shows up not as a fresh apple but as a high-calorie packaged sweet.

### 3. The Hidden Hero: Magnesium Deficiency

Why chocolate in particular? Because cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolate, is one of the richest sources of [magnesium](https://www.carewithki.com/en/discover/is-all-magnesium-the-same-which-magnesium-does-what) in nature.

- Before your period, magnesium levels usually drop. Magnesium is critical for muscle relaxation, nerve transmission and energy metabolism.
- Your body needs magnesium to ease uterine contractions (cramps) and calm the nervous system. A dark chocolate craving is really your body's way of asking for a mineral top-up.

### 4. The Rise in Metabolic Rate

Another interesting scientific fact: in the luteal phase, the body's basal metabolic rate rises slightly (by about 5–10%).

- Your body starts to burn more calories, and this leads to an increased appetite. The feeling of "I want to eat more" reflects a biologically increased need for energy.

### 5. How Do We Manage These Cravings?

You should see this time not as a battle but as something to manage:

- The Right Form of Magnesium: If your cramps and sweet cravings are intense, you can consider a magnesium bisglycinate or citrate supplement after consulting your pharmacist. It relaxes the muscles and stabilises sweet cravings.
- Vitamin B6 Support: Vitamin B6 plays a key role in serotonin synthesis. It may help reduce PMS-related mood changes and bloating.
- Switching to Complex Carbohydrates: Eat whole grains, oats and pulses instead of white bread. These foods raise blood sugar slowly and prevent sudden cravings.
- The Cinnamon Miracle: A little cinnamon added to the water or yoghurt you have during the day is a natural helper in keeping blood sugar balanced.
References

- Chocano-Bedoya, P. O., et al. (2013). Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome. (The effect of B vitamins on PMS symptoms.)
- Fathizadeh, N., et al. (2010). Evaluating the effects of magnesium and vitamin B6 on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. (The clinical success of combining magnesium and B6.)
- Cross, G. B., et al. (2001). Changes in nutrient intake during the menstrual cycle of overweight women with premenstrual syndrome. (Cyclical changes in appetite and food preferences.)
- Healthline & Mayo Clinic Medically Reviewed Articles: Premenstrual Cravings: Why Do They Happen?
- Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology: Serotonin and Premenstrual Syndrome Dynamics.

_This article is general information; it is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation._