As a hormonal lifestyle coach, Charlie Carpenter’s job is to educate women to be more hormone literate and read the symptoms of their bodies. She supports them through what is happening to their bodies during menstruation, perimenopause or post-menopause with education and lifestyle changes. 
 
If you've ever craved chocolate right before your period, you're not alone - and your body might actually be onto something smart. It is not a negative symptom, it is your body telling you progesterone could be low and you need it high for an optimal cycle. High-quality 85% Dark Chocolate isn't just a rich and satisfying treat; it’s packed with nutrients that can support women’s health, especially during the hormonal rhythm of the menstrual cycle. One of the biggest reasons dark chocolate is so helpful is its high magnesium content. Magnesium plays a crucial role in balancing hormones, easing PMS symptoms, and supporting mood stability. Just a couple of squares of dark chocolate daily the week before your period can deliver a solid dose of this calming, muscle-relaxing mineral - which is often depleted in women during the second half of their cycle.
 
Magnesium is especially important because it helps support the body’s production and regulation of progesterone, the hormone that rises after ovulation and helps maintain balance in the luteal phase (the week or so before a period). Low magnesium can worsen PMS symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and cramps - all things women often experience right before menstruation. That’s also when chocolate cravings peak. But it’s not just emotional comfort: your body may be craving magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate to naturally calm the nervous system, ease irritability, and even reduce fluid retention. In this way, chocolate becomes more than just a comfort food - it’s actually part of your body’s toolkit for handling hormonal shifts. 
 
Beyond magnesium, 85% Dark Chocolate is also rich in antioxidants, iron, and flavonoids, which support circulation and reduce inflammation - key for managing menstrual cramps and improving overall energy levels. Plus, its small amount of natural caffeine can help boost focus and fight fatigue without the crash associated with coffee. Choosing high-cacao content chocolate (like 85% or higher) ensures you're getting the health benefits without excess sugar, which can actually worsen PMS symptoms. 
 
So next time you’re craving chocolate in the days before your period, go ahead - reach for that dark square. It’s not indulgence; it’s self-care.
 
If you are interested in finding out more about your hormones and how they may be affecting your life, check out Charlie’s website at www.infradianrhythms.co.uk or on Instagram @infradian_rhythms.

This post was written by Charlie Carpenter for Divine - any reader worried about health conditions or hormonal imbalances should speak to their doctor.