We can all agree that during our period

 We can all agree that during our period

, we worry about our weight, our calorie intake and if we’re burning any of the calories we crave. Here is all you need to know to better understand the biological changes happening during your cycle and how you can work around it.

  Do you burn more calories during your period?

The long and short of it is, no, we don’t burn any extra calories during our period. As much as we want that to be true…

 

Studies have shown that during the follicular phase (menstruation up until the preovulatory phase), estrogen levels increase, leading to reduced appetite. At the same time, our energy expenditure (BMR) reduces, which means we don’t burn any extra calories than the normal amount needed for our body to function at rest.

 

Approximately 2 weeks before menstruation during the luteal phase (from ovulation up until the beginning of another menstruation), Progesterone is at its highest peak, which means energy expenditure increases and can result in the body burning more calories. The amount of calories burnt in this phase has not proven to be significant, but, the rate at which our body burns calories depends on various factors such as age, diet, lifestyle, etc. Naturally, these are differ for every woman.