Suddenly developed a sweet tooth: why?

[Lentilweaver]

I have never had a sweet tooth. Ate chocolate maybe once a month at most. Never any dessert. This was helpful in peri menopause to keep the weight down.

But now I am post menopause and suddenly developed one. Craving biscuits and chocolate daily or after spicy meals. Hormonal? I don't know.

What are your healthy options for sweetness? I eat fruit but that doesn't seem to be enough.

Sweet cravings develop as a result of increased cortisol and lowered serotonin, mediated by the decline of oestrogen post-menopause. What I have found helpful is dried fruit, particularly figs and Medjool dates. I also like raw fruit bars (Lidl do a nice one) and Options drinks if I need something more chocolatey.

It could be a sign you need more protein, try eating a couple of eggs for breakfast, or maybe have some Greek yogurt and berries after your evening meal

Thanks both. I do have stress in my life at the moment and I am also veggie, so probably need more protein. I do eat 2 eggs and Greek yoghurt daily.
Another idea I saw was sugar free gum. But I don't trust all those sugar free things .Would rather eat a few figs and that will help with my iron too.