Can I eat sugar during my menstrual period?
May 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Sugar is a quick source of energy. During menstruation, women may feel tired or fatigued due to physical discomfort or physiological reactions, and consuming an appropriate amount of sugar can rapidly replenish energy and alleviate fatigue. Some women experience mood swings during their menstrual period, and moderate sugar intake may sometimes provide a sense of pleasure, helping to relieve tension or anxiety.
Generally speaking, it is acceptable to consume sugar during menstruation, but intake should be controlled. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Sugar serves as a quick source of energy. During menstruation, women may feel tired or weak due to physical discomfort or physiological reactions. Consuming an appropriate amount of sugar can rapidly replenish energy and relieve fatigue. Some women may experience mood swings during their period, and moderate sugar intake can sometimes provide a sense of pleasure, helping to alleviate tension or anxiety.
However, if you suffer from severe dysmenorrhea, bloating, or edema, refined sugars such as white sugar and candies may promote prostaglandin secretion, intensifying uterine contractions and pain, or exacerbating fluid retention and edema. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, insulin resistance, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sugar consumption may worsen blood glucose fluctuations, affect hormonal balance, and excessive intake should therefore be avoided.
Even though sugar consumption is permissible, daily intake of added sugars should be limited to less than 25 grams, and it is preferable to obtain sugars primarily from foods such as red dates and longan. If sugar cravings or abnormal hunger occur frequently during menstruation, it is recommended to check ferritin levels to rule out pica caused by iron-deficiency anemia.
