Hormones are real—menstrual cycles, cortisol, sleep-related changes genuinely affect hunger. Research by Dye found appetite increases in the luteal phase. Spiegel showed sleep deprivation alters ghrelin and leptin. But hormones explain, they don’t excuse. Even with increased hunger, you choose what and how much to eat. Blame is pointless; strategy is useful.
This companion covers the hormonal reality, the problem with blame, what remains in your control, strategies for hormonal challenges, the both/and perspective, and excuse versus factor. (4 min read)