Survey study, 2012
What causes changes in how much women eat at different times of their menstrual cycle?
A literature review suggests several factors may cause increases in eating during the luteal phase (before the period), including PMS severity and food-seeking behavior. More research is needed, especially in women who are overweight.
What they did
Literature review examining research on energy intake and expenditure across the menstrual cycle, and the roles of PMS severity, food reward, and hormones.
What they found
Women eat more and use more energy during the luteal phase. PMS severity and food reward drive appear to affect eating patterns. Leptin levels fluctuate across the cycle in some studies but not others.
What it means for you
Several factors might explain why women eat differently at different times of their cycle, but we need more research to understand these relationships, especially in women who are overweight.
About the study
- Original title
- Possible factors for altered energy balance across the menstrual cycle: a closer look at the severity of PMS, reward driven behaviors and leptin variations
- Authors
- McNeil J, Doucet É
- Journal
- European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None - literature review
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.03.008
Topics
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