Does your appetite wax and wane?

[iwantalltheolives]

I eat like a horse around the middle of my menstrual cycle, I guess some hormone surge with ovulation. Again predictably the week before my period, but either a couple of days before period actually arrives or once it starts, I've noticed I want to eat far less then for a couple of days.

I wondered if the slackening off of appetite is due to some other hormone, or if it's just because I've eaten more than normal in the week before so my body sends some kind of signal to reduce things for a bit.

In my twenties, I definitely got the period hunger - but I also ate way more all the rest of the time too No slack times then!

Is your appetite pretty steady, or does it ebb and flow?

My appetite will flex depending on my mood, my stress levels, physical routine or maybe the types of food I had eaten previously but it’s never been linked to my period.

Yes definitely - I normally have a massive appetite but just before/during my period absolutely nothing seems appetising and I have to basically force myself to eat. I had a week alone without DD last week, fridge full of M&S food for dinners I normally wouldn’t get to have with her around as she’s quite picky. Lo and behold period decides to come early and I’m now left with a fridge full of lovely food that’s all gone off as I didn’t feel like eating any of it! So annoying!!

@Coffeerum interesting those other factors affect you but not hormones.

@MaloneMeadow that does sound annoying! Was none of it freezable? I'd be gutted at the expense!

Yes definitely.

"Estrogen inhibits food intake, whereas progesterone and testosterone may stimulate appetite"

Since I turned 60 I can't tell the difference between hunger and nausea, hence I can't face food, but if I force myself I feel better coz it was hunger actually. Weird. May be hormone related as I'm on HRT.

I'm 38 and can't tell the difference sometimes either It's really odd and only started happening in the last few years.

I crave sweet stuff for a few days before I'm due on and my appetite increases but to be honest stress levels play a massive part in my appetite and eating structure.

It suddenly dawned on my recently that I actually have a really bad relationship and thought process with food when I'm stressed or manically busy which goes in fits and starts.

A few days this week I've drank light iced coffee in place of food as I've just done 11 days of non stop working and by the time I've switched off and sat down I have no appetite at all.

Tonight however I've eaten a hot meal two mince pies and a bag of monster munch

I recommend reading Maisie Hill Period Power, if you're GC though you'll need to turn I blind eye to some of the inclusive nonsense, it's fascinating nonetheless.