Cravings, Comfort Eating & Hormone Chaos: It's Not Just You

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing quite like standing in cupboard at 9 p.m., wondering how that entire packet of Hobnobs disappeared. If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for sugar, carbs or crisps and then immediately giving yourself a hard time about it — welcome. You are far from alone.

In fact, a recent UK survey found that 53% of women struggle with eating more when they’re feeling stressed, anxious or upset. That’s over half of us turning to food when we’re overwhelmed, exhausted, and our hormones are all over the place.

We’re told cravings are about willpower. That we just need to “eat cleaner” or “be more disciplined” or “drink a glass of water and go for a walk.” (Whoever said that has clearly never met PMS.) But the truth is, cravings – especially the intense, hormonal, can't-think-about-anything-else kind – are often a sign your body is trying to tell you something.

This Isn’t a Self-Control Issue

When your hormones riding a rollercoaster, your brain and body have no choice but jump on board for the ride.  Oestrogen, progesterone, and your stress hormone cortisol all play a part in how your body uses energy, how hungry you feel, and what you crave.

Ever noticed that a few days before your period, you could commit crimes for chocolate? That’s not weakness, that’s a real hormonal shift affecting serotonin and blood sugar regulation. And when you’re running on stress, little sleep, and haven’t had a proper meal since Monday, your body will scream at you for quick energy. Enter: biscuits (lots of them).

And Then There’s Blood Sugar…

Cravings are often tangled up with blood sugar crashes – those delightful dips in energy that make you feel shaky, snappy, and in desperate need of a croissant. If your meals aren’t keeping your blood sugar stable, your body will keep pushing you towards fast fixes. And the more you feed the rollercoaster, the harder it is to get off it.

The Gut-Hormone-Craving Connection

And let’s not forget that vital component of hormone balance: Gut health. Your gut bacteria aren’t just about digestion; they play a crucial role in producing and regulating hormones, including oestrogen and serotonin (your feel-good brain chemical that also influences cravings).

When your gut bacteria are out of balance (which can happen due to stress, a highly processed diet, or even certain medications) your hormones can end up seriously out of whack. This can increase inflammation, affect your mood, and ramp up cravings like nobody’s business.

A healthy gut means better hormonal balance, more stable moods, and fewer intense 'I-need-chocolate-now' moments. So if your cravings feel constant and chaotic, it might not just be ‘that time of the month’ – it could be your gut telling you it needs some help.

You’re Not Greedy. You’re Running on Empty.

It’s not about trying to “cut out treats” or feeling guilty for craving carbs. It’s about giving your body what it actually needs so it stops shouting at you through cravings and emotional eating.

Nutrition and lifestyle changes (the right ones for you, not some trendy online plan) can help bring your blood sugar, hormones, and gut health back into balance. When your body’s better supported, those intense cravings often fade into the background – suddenly you’re not fighting yourself all day just to “be good” and then struggling with intense guilt and frustration when it doesn’t happen.

It’s Not Just About Food — It’s About Support

There’s no shame in craving comfort. Life is busy. Hormones are real. Stress is everywhere. What you can do is work out why your cravings are appearing in the first place – and then learn to work with your body, not against it. When you do, the need to binge three bars of chocolate or eat half a box of cereal for dinner every night dials way down.

If this article resonates with you, and you’re tired of feeling out of control around food or fighting your body every month, there is a way forward. And it isn’t about restriction, guilt, or judgement.  You deserve to live your life feeling balanced and in control, without cutting out the carbs your body actually needs – so reach out, and let’s talk about how we can get you off the emotional eating rollercoaster for good.