While some studies support the claim, they often involve small sample sizes.
Factors such as activity and fat mass may have more impact and need more study.
In one older study, researchers reported that resting metabolic rate varied widely for some people across themenstrual cycle.
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While some people don’t experience much variation, others have more significant changes.
These factors require more scientific study.
What About During Other Stages of the Menstrual Cycle?
Your menstrual cycle consists of two main phases.
They concluded that future research with larger sample sizes and comprehensive reporting of methodologies used is needed.
Effects of Metabolism on Menstruation
Research shows there is a rhythmic synchronicity of menstruation with healthy metabolism.
However, when your metabolism is significantly altered, it can affect the production of reproductive hormones such asestrogenandprogesterone.
This leads to irregular periods, heavier bleeding, or missed periods.
These menstrual cycle irregularities may be markers formetabolic abnormalities.
Studies also indicate that long or highly irregular menstrual cycles may predict a higher risk fortype 2 diabetes.
This risk may be further increased by obesity.
During exercise, you burn more calories than you do at rest.The same is true during your period.
There is no conclusive evidence that exercising during your period burns more calories than exercising at other times.
Why Do I Feel More Hungry During My Period?
It’s not unusual to feel more hungry during your period.
These sensations may be due to the hormonal changes just before menstruation.
The sex hormone progesterone can promote feelings of hunger, causing a stronger desire to eat.
The variation may be enough to impact your hunger up to and at the start of your period.
This can cause feelings of hunger.
More research is needed to confirm these factors, however.
In addition to physiological changes, you may also crave food for comfort.
Eating high-fat and sweet foods may be appealing to help offset feelings of physical or emotional symptoms.
What Is PMDD?
To be diagnosed with PMDD, you must have five or more recognizedPMDD symptoms, including one mood-related issue.
Generally, a slightly higher resting metabolic rate during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle varies by person.
However, these changes do not seem high enough to increase calories burned during your period.
Instead, your cravings may be due to hormonal changes and the need for comfort.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have extreme hunger or gain excess pounds during your period.
They can help you find safe ways to maintain a healthy weight throughout your menstrual cycle.
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