Survey study, 1994
Does body image change across the menstrual cycle?
Yes. Women feel significantly more dissatisfied with their bodies and more anxious about their appearance in the perimenstrual phase compared to other times of the cycle.
What they did
Cross-sectional study where 26 women aged 18-40 completed body image measures and menstrual distress questionnaires during three menstrual phases: perimenstrual, follicular, and luteal. Hormone levels and basal body temperature confirmed which phase they were in.
What they found
Body dissatisfaction, measured by negative thoughts about the body and appearance anxiety, was significantly highest during the perimenstrual phase. Body size perception stayed stable across phases. Menstrual symptoms like water retention, mood changes, poor concentration, and reduced sense of control during the perimenstrual phase were all linked to more body dissatisfaction.
What it means for you
The discomfort and bloating you feel before your period contributes to feeling worse about your body during that time. This is a small study and doesn't tell us whether these changes are entirely driven by hormones or partly by expectations about how you should feel.
26
Women studied
Perimenstrual
Phase with highest body dissatisfaction
18-40 years
Age range
About the study
- Original title
- Body image changes over the menstrual cycle in normal women
- Authors
- Carr-Nangle RE, Johnson WG, Bergeron KC et al.
- Journal
- The International journal of eating disorders
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Survey study
Topics
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