Your hormones could be the reason you feel ‘hangry’

Hangry means when you are feeling hungry and angry at the same time, because some people start to experience irritability when they are hungry.

Factors such as sleep deprivation, stress, and dehydration can also contribute to feeling hangry. (Pic source: Pixabay)

The term ‘hangry’ is often used to describe the feeling of getting angry or irritable due to hunger. But have you ever wondered about the link between the two? Turns out, your hormones could be the reason behind the same. No, its not us, but experts who have said so. Take, for example, Tara Scott latest Instagram post in which she talked about the role of hormones in making you feel. “I love that the term ‘hangry’ has been coined as being both simultaneously hungry and angry at the same time because some people start to experience irritability when they are hungry,” the obstetrician and gynecologist wrote on Instagram.

Dr Scott added, “I have been there! However, did you know that it doesn’t actually have to happen every single time you are hungry?” while stating some of the hormonal reasons you may be feeling so.

Hormones making you ‘hangry’

Below are hormones that can make you feel hangry, as shared by Dr Scott.

Cortisol and Insulin: Your body makes cortisol in response to stress. But our bodies don’t know the difference between being stressed over a deadline or because a lion is chasing us. When cortisol goes up, blood sugar rises first, and then insulin. When insulin rises, blood sugar drops. This leads to cravings, usually for sweet things, as a quick hit to balance our blood sugar.

Story continues below this ad

Estrogen and Progesterone: There is a connection between estrogen and hunger. When going through menopause, our estrogen lowers, resulting in spikes of hunger. The other time is during PMS when progesterone isn’t as high as it should be. Magnesium is a cofactor in this, and it is found in dark chocolate, which is why we usually crave it during PMS. The time before our period is when progesterone should be highest, but as we age, it declines, leading to sudden hunger and cravings.

Dopamine and Serotonin: Dopamine is that neurotransmitter that gives us the feeling of accomplishment when we get things done. Dopamine is craved by our bodies, and it is tied to testosterone. As testosterone lowers due to stress, it may lead to craving that sensation of satisfaction in the form of food. Serotonin is our feel good hormone, which is boosted by carbs. You may have sweet cravings unrelated to your sleep cycle if your serotonin levels are low.

Candida overgrowth: Cravings due to yeast overgrowth (candida) may feel ravenous and are mainly towards sweet things because yeast feeds off the sugar we eat.

“If you find yourself getting hangry all the time, maybe consider getting these points checked out,” Dr Scott concluded.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tara Scott MD (@drtarascott)

ALSO READ | These hormones are to be blamed for all those sweet and junk food cravings you have while PMSing

Is there actually a link?

Speaking to indianexpress.com, Ushakiran Sisodia, Head, Diet and Nutrition, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital said, “You can get hangry due to long delays without food, resulting in low blood sugar levels or even consuming foods with high sugar or refined carbohydrates which can trigger the feeling of being hangry”.

Story continues below this ad

However, other factors can also lead to you feeling hangry. “Factors such as sleep deprivation, stress, and dehydration can also contribute to this sensation. Eating regular meals that are balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help to prevent drops in blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of feeling hangry,” explained Sisodia.

The ghrelin levels rise when we are on an empty stomach, and they lower down after we eat. (Pic source: Pexels)

But, according to Sameena Ansari, Senior Dietitian and Nutritionist, CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad, hormones do play a significant role in why we are left being “hangry”. “When we are hungry, our bodies produce a hormone called ‘ghrelin’, which signals the brain to enhance the appetite and increase food consumption. The ghrelin levels rise when we are on an empty stomach, and lower down after we eat. However, apart from ghrelin stimulating appetite, it also alters our mood and behavior. Studies have shown that ghrelin levels are associated with increased levels of stress and anxiety, which can contribute to irritability and anger”.

ALSO READ | Feeling constantly depressed, irritated, and having bad mood swings may indicate a deficiency of this hormone

Concluding, Ansari said “One should note that getting so hungry that leads to one getting hangry isn’t necessarily a health concern. But people with other health concerns and metabolic stressors such as diabetes, pancreatic or liver disorders, and adrenal insufficiency syndromes, should take appropriate measures to counter these hunger pangs as it can result in other risk complications”.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!