Understanding the hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can be incredibly powerful for anyone experiencing this monthly rhythm and binge eating tendencies. Additionally, for those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and in peri or post menopause, awareness of your changing hormonal cycles is paramount to gaining compassion for your changing body. 

Hormones At Play

There are four main hormones at play during the menstrual cycle, however two have been linked to an increase or decrease in food intake. Particularly estradiol (a form of estrogen) and progesterone have been found to have opposite effects: 

Estradiol: Inhibits food intake and may induce onset of satiety (fullness) 

Progesterone: Increases food intake in the presence of estrogens, is an estradiol antagonist (Baker et al., 2012). 

Additionally, testosterone, the main male sex hormone, is found in much lower amounts in females than males though does affect eating habits by stimulating food intake. Higher levels of testosterone are also found in people with PCOS due to hormone imbalances (NHS, 2022). 

Connection to the Menstrual Cycle 
Although we’ve all seen the graph below, in sex-ed or at the doctor’s office, here’s a little refresher:

1. During your period (menstruation, ~days 1-6) all hormones are lower. 
2. During the follicular phase (~days 7-14) estrogen (estradiol in those pre-menopause and estrone in menopause) increases 
3. During ovulation (~days 15-21) estrogen has hit its peak and progesterone is low 
4. During the luteal phase (~days 22-28) progesterone is at its highest and estrogen is lower

According to research in both human and animal studies food intake often decreases throughout the follicular phase as estradiol increases. In contrast, during the luteal phase progesterone is rising and in the presence of lowering (but still there!) estradiol, an increase in food intake has been observed (Baker at al., 2012) – Makes sense, the hormone that affects satiety (estradiol) is highest when food intake has been observed as lower. Then, as progesterone, an estradiol antagonist, increases so does food intake by working against the fullness effects of estradiol. 

Still with me? In essence, female bodies experience monthly hormone shifts and those hormones affect food intake. 

Connection to Binge Eating 

A study combining data from multiple sources found some interesting patterns related to hormones and binge eating. For people with binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN), higher levels of the hormone estradiol were linked to fewer binge eating episodes, while lower estradiol levels were tied to more binge eating. At the same time, higher progesterone levels were connected to more binge eating in women with BN and unhealthy eating habits in the general population. Similar patterns were seen with emotional struggles like the desire to be very thin and dissatisfaction with body image.

Low estradiol + high progesterone= higher reports of binge eating 

Low estradiol + high progesterone = higher reports of body dissatisfaction & drive for thinness

When put into context with the menstrual cycle, researchers observed higher binge eating episodes during the luteal phase (lower estradiol + higher progesterone) compared to the follicular and ovulatory phase (higher estradiol and lower progesterone). 

Effects for PCOS and Menopause 

For those with PCOS, androgen hormones, like testosterone are higher. Like progesterone, testosterone is associated with a higher food intake. Additionally, insulin is often higher and some people with PCOS also develop insulin resistance and more insulin is produced to combat this. Coming full circle, this increase in insulin can also increase the effect and production of testosterone. 

For folks in peri or post menopause, estradiol converts to estrone. Estrone is a less potent estrogen than estradiol, meaning it has a reduced affect on fullness and food intake. 

Connecting the Dots

Everyone’s experience is unique, and binge eating can affect anyone, regardless of whether they have PCOS, are in menopause, or have typical hormone levels. Hormones play a role, but binge eating is also deeply tied to emotional factors like stress, mental health conditions, and even external influences such as socioeconomic status and cultural pressures to conform to unrealistic body standards. It’s important to approach yourself with compassion and recognize that binge eating is often a response to various complex factors. Understanding your body and the patterns behind your behaviors can help you identify why binge eating might feel more intense at certain times. This awareness can guide you toward finding alternative ways to cope that feel manageable and supportive. 

Choosing curiosity over judgment, combined with guidance from professionals, can help you better understand your body and its needs. This approach allows you to uncover and connect the various factors contributing to disordered eating and support your journey to healing.

References
Baker, J. H., Girdler, S. S., & Bulik, C. M. (2012). The role of reproductive hormones in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Expert review of obstetrics & gynecology, 7(6), 573–583. https://doi.org/10.1586/eog.12.54NHS (October, 2022).
Poly cystic ovary syndrome.  Causes. Retrieved November 21, 2024 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/causes/#:~:text=Hormone%20imbalance,to%20produce%20milk%20in%20pregnancy