Cohort study, 2006
Do women with PMS eat differently during different parts of their menstrual cycle than women without PMS?
No major difference in overall eating patterns was found. However, women with PMS ate more sugars and alcohol during the premenstrual phase, and this correlated with symptom severity.
What they did
31 women with PMS and 27 control women recorded everything they ate for 3 days during the postmenstrual phase and 3 days during the premenstrual phase. Researchers compared energy and nutrient intake between the two cycle phases and between the two groups.
What they found
In women with PMS, total energy and nutrient intake was similar between the postmenstrual and premenstrual phases. In control women, intakes were usually greater during the premenstrual phase, although not all differences were statistically significant. Women with PMS consumed more non-milk extrinsic sugars and alcohol in the premenstrual phase compared to the postmenstrual phase. Significant correlations were observed between the severity of premenstrual symptoms and the change in consumption of sugars and alcohol.
What it means for you
Contrary to some theories, women with PMS do not eat significantly more food overall during the premenstrual phase. However, they may eat more sugars and alcohol at this time, which correlates with symptom severity. This suggests food type may matter more than total amount. The study only captured 3 days of eating in each cycle phase, which is a limited snapshot.
31
women with PMS
27
control women
2
cycle phases studied
About the study
- Original title
- Modest changes in dietary intake across the menstrual cycle: implications for food intake research
- Authors
- Bryant M, Truesdale KP, Dye L
- Journal
- The British journal of nutrition
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- No intervention; observational study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1017/bjn20061931
Topics
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