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Food cravings, mood, and the menstrual cycle
I T Cohen1, B B Sherwin, A S Fleming
1Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Hormones and Behavior
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Women experience increased food cravings and consumption during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. Chronic dieters reported fewer cravings compared to non-dieters, suggesting a link between dieting and appetite regulation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Nutritional Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Menstrual cycle phases influence hormonal fluctuations.
- Hormonal changes can impact mood, appetite, and food preferences.
- Dieting habits may interact with cycle-dependent changes in eating behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document changes in food cravings, consumption, and mood across the menstrual cycle.
- To explore the relationship between these factors and dieting habits.
- To investigate potential augmentation of carbohydrate cravings during the luteal phase.
Main Methods:
- 32 female undergraduates completed daily self-reports for 5+ weeks.
- Data collected on food cravings, food intake, and mood.
- Comparison between luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle.
Main Results:
- Food cravings and amount eaten were significantly higher in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase.
- Less positive affect was reported during the luteal phase, but mood did not correlate with cravings or intake.
- Chronic dieters reported fewer cravings than non-dieters.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual cycle phase influences food cravings and consumption in women.
- Dieting status may modulate food cravings.
- Findings suggest carbohydrate cravings may be heightened during the luteal phase.