Can I eat chocolate during my menstrual period?
Aug 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
If women experience only mild abdominal bloating during their menstrual period without other severe discomforts, consuming a small amount of dark chocolate may help relieve mild pain through theobromine, and the magnesium it contains might aid in relaxing nerves and improving mood. However, it is advisable to choose dark chocolate that is low in sugar and high in cocoa content to avoid excessive sugar intake, which could worsen bodily edema or affect blood sugar stability.
Generally, women who do not experience significant discomfort during menstruation may consume a small amount of dark chocolate, no more than 50 grams each time. However, if they suffer from severe dysmenorrhea, blood sugar fluctuations, or anxiety, it is not recommended to consume chocolate or strict control is required. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If women only experience mild abdominal bloating during menstruation without other severe discomfort, consuming a small amount of dark chocolate may help relieve mild pain through theobromine, and the magnesium it contains might aid in relaxing nerves and improving mood. However, low-sugar, high-cocoa-content dark chocolate should be chosen to avoid excessive sugar intake that may worsen bodily edema or affect blood sugar stability.
If women suffer from severe dysmenorrhea during menstruation, or have high blood sugar levels or are prone to anxiety, the caffeine in chocolate may stimulate uterine contractions, worsening dysmenorrhea; high sugar content may also lead to sharp rises and drops in blood sugar, intensifying mood swings, and even causing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. In such cases, eating chocolate is not recommended.
Prior to consuming chocolate during menstruation, women should observe their own physical reactions, avoid eating on an empty stomach, maintain a light diet, and avoid spicy and cold foods to help smoothly get through the menstrual period.
