Non-randomised trial, 2008
Do mood, memory, and food cravings worsen during the luteal phase in women with PMDD?
Yes. During the luteal phase, women with PMDD showed significantly worse mood, impaired memory and concentration, and increased cravings for fatty foods compared to their follicular phase and compared to women without PMDD.
What they did
A study where 29 women (14 with PMDD, 15 without) attended 10 sessions over one month: 2 practice sessions, 4 during the follicular phase, and 4 during the late luteal phase. Each session included mood and food questionnaires, cognitive tests, a motor coordination task, and a meal.
What they found
Women with PMDD had a significant increase in dysphoric mood during the luteal phase compared to their follicular phase and compared to controls. They performed worse on word recall (immediate and delayed), digit recall (immediate and delayed), and digit symbol substitution tests during the luteal phase. Women with PMDD showed increased desire for high-fat foods during the luteal phase and consumed more calories from fat compared to the follicular phase, while control women did not show these changes.
What it means for you
Women with PMDD experience worsened mood, impaired memory and thinking, and stronger cravings for fatty foods during the luteal phase. This may relate to changes in serotonin, and SSRIs are the preferred treatment. The study was limited by its small sample size.
14
women with PMDD
15
women without PMDD
10
sessions per woman
About the study
- Original title
- Changes in mood, cognitive performance and appetite in the late luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
- Authors
- Reed SC, Levin FR, Evans SM
- Journal
- Hormones and behavior
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 29
- What was tested
- Observational measurement of mood, cognitive performance, food intake, and motor coordination across menstrual phases
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.02.018
Topics
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