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We’ve all been there. You’re basking in the afterglow of an amazing romp in the sheets, snuggled up with your partner, and then your stomach lets out a roar that could rival the passion you just unleashed.

Even if you ate a big meal beforehand, you might find yourself rummaging through the fridge for a post-coital snack. 

But why does sex make us hungry? Is it just the calories burned, or is there more to it?

In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind why sex can leave you craving a cheeseburger, break down the hormonal and nervous system connections, and answer some common questions about this mysterious phenomenon. Plus, we’ll give you the scoop on how to turn up the heat on your bedroom performance with BlueChew, and really get your appetite going.

Why It’s Not Just About Burning Calories

Let’s set the record straight. Sex doesn’t burn as many calories as you might imagine.

You might feel like you’ve just run a marathon after a steamy session, but research says otherwise. On average, men burn about 4.2 calories per minute during sex. That means a solid 24-minute session clocks in at just over 100 calories—a couple of bites of pizza at best.

While calorie burn due to physical activity might play a tiny role, your post-sex hunger is about much more than refueling. 

That’s where hormones and the nervous system come into play.

The Link Between Sex Hormones and Hunger

Sex isn’t just a workout – it’s a hormonal rollercoaster. And certain hormones released during sex, known for influencing various feelings, including desire, libido, and erections, can also stir up hunger. 

Let’s take a look at the key hormones at play.

Testosterone and Estrogen

Testosterone is the master hormone for men. It plays an important role in increasing your sex drive, giving you solid erections, and also regulates your appetite. 

During and after sex, your testosterone levels rise at a rapid rate. High levels of testosterone can activate the hypothalamus’ appetite center and stimulate the release of an important appetite stimulating hormone, ghrelin.   

On the other hand, research has shown women secrete high amounts of estrogen during intercourse, which can reduce appetite. This is why one partner (the man) may feel hungrier after intercourse than females. 

Ghrelin

You can think of ghrelin as one of the main hormones responsible for making you feel hungry. It is released when you have an empty stomach and can promote food seeking behaviors.

Research has shown that it also is influenced by sex hormones like testosterone, which may increase ghrelin levels, leaving your stomach grumbling for more.

Interestingly, research has also linked ghrelin to promoting sexual behavior. High ghrelin levels may be associated with an increased libido, culminating in sexual activity. The lingering ghrelin after getting busy may contribute to those post-sex munchies.

Dopamine

Dopamine is a hormone released during sex (and particularly during orgasm) that makes you feel satisfied, pleased, and motivated. This “feel-good” chemical isn’t just about pleasure—researchers found it also plays a role in regulating appetite. 

When dopamine is released during an orgasm, it sends messages to a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus (the brain’s hunger headquarters) which can make you crave a reward (like that leftover slice of pizza).

Oxytocin 

Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is released in large amounts during orgasm, amplifying feelings of happiness and positive emotions while counteracting the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of oxytocin can boost your mood and deepen feelings of closeness or bonding with your partner.

Interestingly, it’s the same hormone that helps new mothers feel connected to their babies and is also released during a hug or massage.

The release of this hormone during sex can prompt us to want to share a meal after intimacy, enhancing this bonding effect, creating a sense of safety, connection, and intimacy with your partner.

The Nervous System’s Role in Post-Sex Hunger

It’s not just hormones running the show; your nervous system also has a say.

During sex, your sympathetic nervous system kicks in—think increased heart rate, heavy breathing, and that sweaty glow. This is the branch of the nervous system that is responsible for our “fight or flight” response. Although we aren’t literally fighting or running from danger during sex, our nervous system becomes quite aroused.

After orgasm, the parasympathetic nervous system takes the reins. Known as the “rest and digest” system, it shifts your body into recovery mode, encouraging relaxation, sleep, and yes—hunger.

Feeling hungry after sex is essentially your body’s way of saying it feels safe, calm, and is ready to refuel.

Why Am I Craving Junk Food After Sex?

Let’s face it, after sex, you’re probably not reaching for a kale salad. 

A 2017 Yelp survey found that pizza topped the list of post-sex cravings for single millennials, with three-quarters admitting they reached for a slice.

Surprisingly, there’s science behind those cravings. When your body enters the “rest and digest” mode post-orgasm, hunger signals kick in, and dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, starts working overtime. 

The pleasure of sex can overlap with the satisfaction of calorie-dense comfort foods like pizza, burgers, or chocolate, making those indulgent options especially appealing.

Evolution may also play a role: in the past, high-calorie foods were rare and essential for survival. After expending energy during intimacy, your body could instinctively crave these foods to replenish its stores.

The next time you grab that extra slice after a good time, just remember—your cravings are totally natural, and potentially even backed by science.

Final Thoughts

The post-sex munchies aren’t just in your head—they’re backed by biology. Hormone levels, your nervous system, and even your emotional bond with your partner can all contribute to that midnight fridge raid. 

The next time you crave pizza after a romp, embrace it. It is a completely normal physiological response to rolling in the hay. 

How To Have Better Sex With BlueChew

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FAQS

Why do I get hungry after sex?

Hunger after sex is caused by hormonal changes in the blood, particularly increased testosterone, dopamine, and ghrelin levels, and the body’s shift into the “rest and digest” state. The combination of these hormone increases and a relaxed nervous system prompts the brain to send hunger signals. 

Do men and women experience post-sex hunger differently?

Yes, testosterone increases appetite in men, leading to stronger post-sex hunger cravings compared to women, whose elevated levels of estrogen may suppress appetite. Men naturally have lower levels of estrogen, which may also contribute to increased hunger.

Is craving comfort food after sex normal?

If you notice you’re craving comfort food after sex, you’re not alone. Craving calorie-dense foods like pizza is a natural response influenced by dopamine, your nervous system, and evolutionary instincts. Of course, choosing foods good for your health like fruits, chia seeds, and pomegranate are a better choice.

Does the nervous system play a role in post-sex hunger?

Yes, after orgasm, your parasympathetic nervous system takes over, signaling the body to relax and prioritize recovery, which includes making a person feel hungry.

Why do we crave junk food after sex?

Your body may crave high-calorie foods because they provide quick energy replenishment after the physical exertion of sex (similar to exercise). This response has been linked to our evolutionary past where getting high-calorie foods was rare, so craving them after exertion may be a way for the body to attempt to replenish itself.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for, and should never be relied upon as, professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and appropriateness of any treatment. BlueChew offers compounded medications prescribed solely for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance enhancement. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

References

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6. Prieto-Garcia L, Egecioglu E, Studer E, Westberg L, Jerlhag E. Ghrelin and GHS-R1A Signaling within the Ventral and Laterodorsal Tegmental Area Regulate Sexual Behavior in Sexually Naïve Male Mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2015;62:392-402. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.09.009
7. Baik JH. Dopaminergic Control of the Feeding Circuit. Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2021;36(2):229-239. doi:https://doi.org/10.3803/enm.2021.979
8. Osilla EV, Sharma S. Oxytocin. National Library of Medicine. Published 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507848/
9. Evans G. This Is the Food Most People Eat After Sex. Complex. Published August 10, 2017. Accessed December 4, 2024. https://www.complex.com/life/a/gavin-evans/pizza-most-popular-hookup-food?ip_et_ctx=23934777_10_1