[Influence of premenstrual syndrome and oral contraceptive effects on food choice during the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle].
OBJECTIVE
Food intake and motivation for food varies according to the phase of the menstrual cycle. These changes seem to be more marked in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and may be modified by the use of oral contraceptives (OC). This study examined the effect of menstrual cycle, PMS and OC use on the intake and hedonic rating of sweet and savory snack foods.


METHODS
Fifty-five women were recruited and assigned to either a PMS group or a control group. In addition, based on OC use, the women were assigned to an OC-user or non-user group. During the luteal and follicular phases, the participants were asked to consume and rate sweet and savory snacks.


RESULTS
The luteal phase induced greater caloric intake from sweet foods. PMS sufferers did not consume significantly more calories in either phase. There was a significant interaction between phase, flavor, PMS status and OC use. OC users consumed more calories from sweet foods in the follicular phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Food intake is increased in the luteal phase. This effect was modulated by both PMS and OC use. OC use seems to eliminate cyclic fluctuations in caloric intake.
Tucci
Sonia A
SA
Kissileff Laboratory for the Study of Human Ingestive Behaviour. School of Psychology. University of Liverpool. Liverpool. Reino Unido. sonia.tucci@liv.ac.uk
Murphy
Laura E
LE
Boyland
Emma J
EJ
Halford
Jason C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000523:psychology*; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000523:psychology*; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary; D055815:Young Adult
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary