Here's why you binge eat when you have your period

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If you eat compulsively a week before your period, chances are you're not the only one who does it as science explains why women do it.

Women are susceptible to hormonal level fluctuations because of their menstruation cycle. One thing that almost all women experience is binge eating when their period is near. Although binge eating and having your period are two different things, the two are related.

Binge eating is also called compulsive eating and is described by the urge to eat lots of food even when not hungry or full, according to Healthline. The site adds that it can occur at specific days before some women's period.

Food cravings in women can be explained by hormonal levels and "energy needs," says psychologist Sarh McMahon via Body Matters.

Women go through a lot of things during menstruation. There are obvious physical signs including breast tenderness, feeling tired, bloating and feeling moody. Most women crave food because hormonal fluctuations can cause women to have "different nutritional requirements."

"Food cravings are our body's way of ensuring we obtain the nutrients our bodies require. Further, during the peak of a women's menstrual period , extra energy is in fact needed," the site states. "The body, wanting to maintain homeostasis (in everything from weight to mood), will intuitively know what it needs and will crave certain foods to obtain those requirements."

The most common food cravings among women are chocolates and carbohydrates which can increase serotonin levels which can regulate moods.

"In particular, many women crave carbohydrates and chocolates which raise serotonin levels. For others, ingesting food rich in potassium and magnesium is beneficial to regulate mood."

This offsets the increase of cortisol or stress hormones in the body, Health reports. Mood swings that accompany menstruation compounded by dissatisfaction may be the reason why women binge eat.

According to Dr. Joshua Klein of New York City's Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, there are hormones that counteract food cravings.

"For example, leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite, is higher during the second half of the cycle, too," he explained.

There are steps and tips to curb binge eating before having your period. According to Healthline, keeping a food diary can help keep track of everything you eat. It is also helpful to eat more high-fiber foods such as whole grains, beans, seeds, fruits and vegetables to help you keep full longer. Manage your stress through exercise or relaxing to avoid getting stressed as this can trigger stress eating.