Menstrual cycle and appetite control: implications for weight regulation

Hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle influenceappetite control and eating behaviour. Energy intake varies during thereproductive cycle in humans and animals, with a periovulatory nadir and aluteal phase peak. Patterns of macronutrient selection show lessconsistency but a number of studies report carbohydrate cravings in thepremenstrual phase, particularly in women with premenstrual syndrome. Thecyclical nature of food cravings are frequently, but not invariably,associated with depression. Fluctuations in appetite, cravings and energyintake during the menstrual cycle may occur in parallel with cyclicalrhythms in serotonin, which can be accompanied by affective symptoms. Thepremenstrual phase can be considered as a time when women are especiallyvulnerable to overconsumption, food craving and depression; this is oftenassociated with low serotonin activity.