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.
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
Topics
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