And why that’s your body saying: “We're good, babe.”

Let’s talk cravings, chaos, and why your hormones are having a little chill moment

You know that feeling when your body stops screaming for sugar and lets you eat a salad without sulking? Welcome to the follicular phase... Your hormonal cool girl era.

After your period, your body hits reset. Oestrogen is on the rise, serotonin’s doing a happy dance, and those “feed me pasta or I’ll riot” vibes? Gone.

And you’re not imagining it—clinical research confirms that food cravings, especially for carbs and sweets, drop significantly in this part of your cycle¹. Your appetite dials down, your mood levels out, and your brain says: “Let’s do nice things.”

You’re not broken. You’re just in sync.

So what is the follicular phase?

The follicular phase kicks off right after your period ends and runs until ovulation, roughly days 6–14 in a typical 28-day cycle.

Think of it as your body’s post-cleanse glow-up. Inside, everything’s calm, bright, and buzzing with potential:

• Oestrogen rises – You feel clearer, lighter, maybe even… flirty².

• Insulin sensitivity improves – Your body handles sugar better, meaning no 4 PM snack goblin³.

• Appetite dips – You’re not constantly rummaging for carbs⁴.
  

Your vibe? Focused. Energised. Fewer crumbs in your bra.

Why you’re not craving sweets (and why that’s a flex)

Your brain’s hunger and reward centres calm right down during this phase⁵. With higher insulin sensitivity, your blood sugar stays steady, and cravings take a nap.

But here’s where it gets juicy: how you eat now can shape your cravings later. Studies show that higher levels of oleoylethanolamide (OEA), a natural appetite regulator, in the follicular phase predict calmer cravings in the luteal phase⁶.

Translation? Nourish yourself now, and your future self (the one in pyjamas holding a tub of ice cream) will thank you.

The Follicular Nutrition Playbook: What to Feed Your Fine Self

This is your refuel and rebalance window. Your body’s crying out for nutrient density, not deprivation.

Iron & Ferritin - Your Post-Bleed Besties
Iron levels dip as ovulation nears⁷. Replenish with leafy greens, legumes, seafood, or lean red meat if that’s your jam.

Magnesium - Your Mood’s Bodyguard
Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, sleep, and calm⁸. Snack on pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, or dark chocolate (doctor’s orders—well, sort of).

Zinc- The Quiet Overachiever
Zinc boosts immunity, supports ovarian health, and keeps your skin glowing⁹. Find it in chickpeas, cashews, eggs, and lentils.

Vitamin D + B Vitamins - The Energy Crew
These regulate hormones and can reduce PMS symptoms¹⁰. Get sunshine where you can and stock up on fortified foods or plant-based supplements.

Balanced Meals - Cravings? What Cravings?
Stable blood sugar = stable mood. Build balanced plates with whole grains, plant proteins, and healthy fats like avo and olive oil.

This is Your “Main Character” Phase

This is your high-energy, “get stuff done” window. You’re clear-headed, motivated, and hormonally aligned.

Try to:

• Batch your work or workouts
  

• Start new projects (or dates!)
  

• Stock up on nutrients before ovulation
  

• Actually say yes to plans
  

If your hormones were a playlist, this would be the dance track before the luteal-phase ballad.

When things aren’t totally balanced

Not every follicular phase is drama-free. Some of us still deal with cramps, bloating, or mid-cycle fatigue, because hormones love a little chaos.

That’s where Khapregesic® steps in.

Australia’s first dual-action natural relief for both period pain and PMS, Khapregesic® blends Khaya senegalensis and other plant-based compounds for real, drug-free support.

In a double-blind clinical trial, women who took Khapregesic® reported:

• 136% greater pain reduction vs placebo
  

• 196% boost in mood and psychological well-being
  

• 90% less need for pain meds
  

• 300% improvement in social functioning¹¹
  

So when your follicular flow wobbles, or the luteal lows start creeping in—Khapregesic® has your back. And your belly.

TL;DR

Cravings? Low. Energy? High.
Now’s the time to reset and refuel.
What you eat now shapes next month’s mood.
Your cycle is a blueprint, not a burden.
And when pain or PMS strikes, natural support’s got you.

FAQS

What should I eat during the follicular phase?
Focus on leafy greens, nuts, seeds, lean protein, and whole grains to fuel recovery and balance hormones naturally.

Do women have food cravings in the follicular phase?
Not usually. Studies show cravings are lowest post-period and peak before your next bleed¹.

How can I balance hormones naturally?
Eat whole foods, prioritise rest, and consider plant-based support like Khapregesic® for PMS and pain relief.

How long is the follicular phase?
Around 7–10 days, depending on your cycle length.

Why do I feel better during the follicular phase?
Rising oestrogen and stable blood sugar boost mood and energy².

References

1. PMC: Food Intake and Appetite Variations Across the Menstrual Cycle

2. UCLA Health: How Hormones Affect Mood & Energy

3. Frontiers in Nutrition (2023): Menstrual Cycle and Metabolic Regulation

4. Nimblerx: Eating for Your Menstrual Cycle

5. Scientific American: Period Food Cravings Are Real

6. Bohrium Research: Structural Equation Modelling of Food Craving Across Menstrual Phases

7. Tandfonline: Micronutrient Changes Across the Menstrual Cycle

8. Deanna Minich: Nutrition for the Menstrual Cycle

9. Frontiers in Public Health (2025): Dietary Patterns and Menstrual Health

10. Harvard Health: Vitamin D and Reproductive Health
    

11. Lopresti A. L., Smith S. J., Ferdinands F. R. (2025). An Examination into the Safety and Efficacy of Khapregesic®, a Khaya Senegalensis Preparation, on Women Experiencing Menstrual Pain and Menstrual Distress: A Randomised, Double‑Blind, Placebo‑Controlled Trial. Int J Women’s Health.