Almost everyone has experienced a sugar craving at some point, but interestingly, research consistently shows that women are more prone to sweet cravings than men – and they often feel these urges more strongly. This isn’t simply a matter of preference or willpower. Instead, it’s linked to a complex mix of biology, brain chemistry, hormones, and even social influences. In many ways, women’s bodies are naturally wired to crave sugar more frequently and more intensely, often driven by hormonal changes, emotional well-being, and stress levels.
While food cravings are part of life for both men and women, understanding why women may be more drawn to sugary treats involves looking at what fuels these cravings – and why men’s experiences are typically quite different. Pariksha Rao, Director of Nutrition & Medical Affairs at The Good Bug, helps unpack the science behind this difference.
The Science Behind Women’s Sugar Cravings
Hormonal Fluctuations
Women’s sex hormones – oestrogen and progesterone – shift throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and later in life through menopause. These hormonal changes can directly influence mood, appetite, and how the brain responds to rewards like food. For example, serotonin, the chemical that helps regulate mood and appetite, is often found at lower levels in women, especially during certain times of the menstrual cycle.
When serotonin drops, eating sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods can give it a temporary boost, which explains why many women find themselves reaching for sweets when they’re feeling low or under pressure.
Stress and Emotional Eating
Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to turn to food when they’re stressed or upset. Stress can increase ghrelin, the hormone that boosts appetite, while reducing leptin, the hormone that signals fullness – effects that seem to hit women harder. This, along with cultural factors and the higher tendency for emotional eating among women, makes sugary snacks a common comfort choice during challenging times.
The Gut Microbiome’s Role
Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a big part in our cravings by communicating with the brain. One key group of these bacteria, known as the estrobolome, helps process oestrogen. Hormonal changes throughout the month can affect the balance of gut bacteria, which in turn can influence oestrogen levels and drive sugar cravings, particularly in the days leading up to menstruation.
On top of that, eating lots of sugar feeds certain bacteria that thrive on it, creating a cycle where the more sugar you eat, the more you seem to crave it.
Ovarian Hormones and Energy Needs
In the lead-up to menstruation, the female body biologically prepares for the possibility of pregnancy by boosting its energy storage. This can show up as cravings for high-energy, sugary foods, which provide quick, accessible calories.