It's hardly an uncommon experience for many women to find solace in a good dark chocolate bar while grappling with cramps.
The question is though, is this just another placebo effect that we trick ourselves into believing, just a mere stereotype fed by media, or is there actually a scientific correlation between menstruation and the urge for chocolate?
The very existence of this article probably gives the game away a little bit, as a simple, no, it's all a myth would be relatively pointless.
So, let's take a look at the science behind this intriguing connection, and have a look at what could be behind chocolates ability to improve PMS symptoms.
Why do women crave chocolate on their period?
A lot of people put this down to it simply being comforting, a little luxury, something to make you feel better, but there is a fair bit more to it than that.
Most people used to attribute the chocolate yearning to the body's attempt to compensate for lost nutrients during menstruation. Dark chocolate containing iron, and of course having sugars to replenish energy etc.
And of course there was the long held belief that it's more psychological, a form of self-soothing during a physically uncomfortable time. And of course there's some combination of these two at play, but again, there are some unique things in chocolate that make it a bit different.
During the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can create a ripple effect throughout the body. The fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone levels could result in an increased hunger level, specifically targeting high-fat and sweet foods. This is where affinity for chocolate comes in. As a rich source of sugar and fat, chocolate caters perfectly to these cravings.
The argument for it all being in our heads
This is the argument that it's not a biological impulse, but rather a learned behavior based on media influence and societal norms. The idea of women needing chocolate during their period might be a stereotype that has been absorbed over time, not an actual physical requirement.
Interestingly the same can be said for Oysters being an aphrodisiac and the really interesting thing is the more people believe in the placebo effect, the effect actually goes up, even if they don't believe oysters are an aphrodisiac. Yes the placebo effect is actually getting stronger.
The Argument Against It
Not everyone has a sweet tooth and a lot of women exclusively desire chocolate during their cycle, despite not usually having a sweet tooth. This suggests an underlying, yet unidentified, factor influencing these cravings. And there's the fact that it does help with the physical effects, so it's most likely that it is a learned behaviour, your brain knows it helps, and you train yourself this way over time.
Chocolate and Seratonin
Chocolate contains compounds which help boost seratonin, the happy hormone, so of course it can help improve mood for the short term.
Does chocolate help with cramps?
Yes, consuming chocolate can potentially alleviate period cramps. Scientific studies have revealed that specific minerals present in dark chocolate like copper, calcium, and magnesium might play a part in managing period pain. These nutrients contribute to the production of endorphins and serotonin, our body's feel-good hormones. These hormones double up as natural pain relief agents. Interestingly, magnesium – another component of dark chocolate – can help mitigate muscle cramps that are particularly prevalent during a woman's period.
And there have been a few companies like Kittie who have mixed dark chocolate with other supplements known to help with period symptoms. (They are the best example on the market right now.
Let's have a quick look at some of the studies and their findings
Dark chocolate’s effect on menstrual pain in late adolescents
Dark chocolate was found to significantly reduce menstrual pain in late adolescents, according to the study.
- Dark chocolate significantly reduces menstrual pain in late adolescents.
- The mean menstrual pain in the treatment group was lower than the control group.
Manufacture and Evaluation of Novel Chocolate for Girls' Dysmenorrhea
The paper discusses the effects of consuming a novel chocolate supplemented with cinnamon, ginger, and mint on dysmenorrhea in girls. It mentions that consuming the chocolate reduced menstrual pain and inflammation and improved iron levels in the blood. However, it does not specifically mention the relationship between menstrual and chocolate.
- Consuming the novel chocolate reduces menstrual pain and inflammation.
- The chocolate increases iron levels and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides.
Does Dark Chocolate Relieve Menstrual Pain in Adult Women?: A Study Among Indian Population
The paper investigates the effects of dark chocolate on premenstrual and menstrual pain in adult women. It found that dark chocolate consumption significantly reduced the pain.
- Dark chocolate reduces premenstrual and menstrual pain.
- Dark chocolate can be an alternative to NSAIDs
The Effect of Giving Dark Chocolate on Reducing Menstrual Pain in Primary Dysmenorrhoea in Employees of Cabangbungin General Hospital, Bekasi Regency in 2023
The paper discusses the effect of giving dark chocolate to women who happened to be employees of the hospital in which it was conducted. Whilst it’s not a large scale study, it did also have positive results.
- Dark chocolate reduces dysmenorrhea menstrual pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate And Periods
How can hormonal changes during menstruation lead to chocolate cravings?
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can affect your brain's serotonin levels, triggering cravings for foods like chocolate that can boost these levels and improve your mood.
What are some alternative snacks to chocolate?
Generally any food rich in serotonin-boosting nutrients like nuts, fruits, or lean proteins.
Is chocolate safe to consume during menstruation?
Yes, consuming chocolate during menstruation is safe when done in moderation. Dark chocolate may especially be beneficial as it is high in magnesium, which can help reduce pain and relax muscles.