Survey study, 2026
What patterns of mood changes and food cravings occur during the menstrual cycle in college students?
Nearly 60% reported food cravings during menstruation, with dairy products most common. Mood swings were most prominent in the premenstrual phase and linked to poor sleep quality.
What they did
Cross-sectional survey of 280 female college students aged 18-32 at PSG College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Researchers used a structured self-administered questionnaire asking about menstrual patterns, mood changes, food cravings, dietary habits, sleep quality, and coping strategies.
What they found
A significant association was found between menstrual regularity and mood swings, most prominent in the premenstrual phase. Nearly 60% reported food cravings during menstruation, mainly dairy products followed by spicy foods, sweets, and salty snacks. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with increased mood disturbances.
What it means for you
Most college-aged women experience premenstrual mood changes and food cravings that affect their daily life. The study is limited because it was observational and only included students in one location in India, so results may not apply to all women.
280
College students in study
Nearly 60%
Reported food cravings
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual-related mood changes and food cravings: A cross-sectional study among college students
- Authors
- Vijay Bhuvaneswari T, Jenifer Antony
- Journal
- International Journal of Multidisciplinary Trends
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 280
- What was tested
- None (observational study)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.22271/multi.2026.v8.i2a.907
Topics
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