---
title: Do women with PMS eat differently before their period? | Niyora
description: Yes. Women with PMS ate significantly more food before their period than after, especially sugary foods and desserts. Women without PMS showed a much smaller
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/changes-in-nutrient-intake-during-the-menstrual-cycle-of-overweight-women-with-2001/
---

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- Do women with PMS eat differently before their period?

Survey study, 2001

# Do women with PMS eat differently before their period?

Yes. Women with PMS ate significantly more food before their period than after, especially sugary foods and desserts. Women without PMS showed a much smaller increase in food intake.

 Early or limited evidence

144 overweight women screened; 88 met criteria for PMS

## What they did

144 overweight women answered a PMS screening questionnaire; 88 met criteria for PMS. All kept food diaries for 4 days before and after their period over two full cycles. Researchers compared the amounts and types of food eaten at each phase.

## What they found

Women with PMS ate significantly more total food before their period, including all nutrients. When adjusted for total calories, they ate more fat and carbohydrates but less protein before their period. They ate much more cereals, cakes, desserts, and high-sugar foods. They also had more eating episodes (meals and snacks). Women without PMS showed a much smaller increase in energy and fat intake.

## What it means for you

Women with PMS naturally eat more before their period, especially high-sugar foods. This may make it harder for them to stick to dietary changes. Providers should recognize this natural eating increase when counseling women. The study only included overweight women and relied on self-reported diaries, which can be unreliable.

144

Women screened for PMS

88

Women who met PMS criteria

2

Menstrual cycles tracked

## About the study

Original title Changes in nutrient intake during the menstrual cycle of overweight women with premenstrual syndrome Authors Cross GB, Marley J, Miles H et al. Journal The British journal of nutrition Year 2001 Study design Survey study What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1079/bjn2000283](https://doi.org/10.1079/bjn2000283)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)

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