Hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle influence ap
petite control and eating behaviour, Energy intake varies during the r
eproductive cycle in humans and animals, with a periovulatory nadir an
d a luteal phase peak, Patterns of macronutrient selection show less c
onsistency but a number of studies report carbohydrate cravings in the
premenstrual phase, particularly in women with premenstrual syndrome,
The cyclical nature of food cravings are frequently, but not invariab
ly, associated with depression, Fluctuations in appetite, cravings and
energy intake during the menstrual cycle may occur in parallel with c
yclical rhythms in serotonin, which can be accompanied by affective sy
mptoms, The premenstrual phase can be considered as a time when women
are especially vulnerable to overconsumption, food craving and depress
ion; this is often associated with low serotonin activity.