The paper of the Month for February is “The role of premenstrual syndrome in hedonic hunger and food craving during the menstrual cycle “, published in the  Journal of Nutritional Science,

Many women notice changes in their appetite before their period. Chocolate seems more tempting, sweet or carbohydrate-rich foods feel harder to resist, and overall hunger may increase. But are these cravings simply “in women’s heads”? Or is there a deeper biological and psychological explanation?

Our recent study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Science, explored how premenstrual syndrome (PMS) relates not only to food cravings, but also to something called hedonic hunger. Hedonic hunger is the desire to eat for pleasure rather than physical need — in other words, wanting food even when women are not truly hungry.

We followed 150 young women across different phases of their menstrual cycle: the menstrual (early follicular), ovulatory, and late luteal (premenstrual) phases. We compared women with and without PMS and examined their levels of hedonic hunger, food cravings, and daily energy intake.

One of the most striking findings was that women with PMS consistently reported higher levels of hedonic hunger throughout the cycle. In other words, they were more responsive to the sight, smell, or thought of food — especially palatable, energy-dense foods. During the late luteal phase, when PMS symptoms are typically strongest, women with PMS also reported significantly higher daily energy intake.

We also found that body weight status played a role. Women classified as overweight or obese showed higher sensitivity to food cues in certain phases of the cycle, particularly in the early and mid-cycle phases. This suggests that both hormonal changes and individual characteristics may shape how strongly we respond to food environments.

Why might this happen? Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle influence not only reproductive processes but also mood and appetite regulation. Changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels can affect brain systems involved in reward, emotional regulation, and appetite. For some women, especially those with PMS, these shifts may amplify cravings and the pleasure-driven desire to eat.

Importantly, our findings highlight that increased appetite before menstruation is not simply a matter of “lack of willpower.” It may reflect a complex interaction between hormones, mood, and the brain’s reward system.

Understanding these patterns can help health professionals offer more individualized dietary guidance. Instead of rigid restriction, supportive strategies tailored to menstrual cycle phases may be more realistic and sustainable for women experiencing PMS.

Future research including hormonal measurements and longer follow-up periods could further clarify how these biological rhythms shape eating behaviour. For now, our study adds to growing evidence that women’s eating experiences across the menstrual cycle deserve careful scientific attention — and compassionate understanding.

Ebru Candan, Ziya Erokay Metin and M. Merve Tengilimoglu-Metin