Food cravings during menstruation: The reason behind increased appetite and potential weight gain

Food cravings during menstruation: The reason behind increased appetite and potential weight gain

In a recent study, researchers have delved into the connection between the menstrual cycle and insulin sensitivity, offering a potential explanation for the food cravings and changes in appetite that many people experience before their period [1][2][3].

During the premenstrual phase, progesterone and estrogen levels decrease, which is when the desire for sweet foods is most likely [1]. This phase also sees a decrease in insulin sensitivity, with cells responding less effectively to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels [1][3][4].

The study, carried out on 11 women, found that in those without prediabetes or diabetes, brain sensitivity to insulin is influenced by the menstrual cycle [3]. Specifically, in the luteal phase:

• Progesterone peaks and causes decreased insulin sensitivity [1][3][4].
• This insulin resistance may prompt the body to crave high-glycemic or carbohydrate-rich foods to compensate for altered glucose metabolism and energy utilization [2].
• Many women report increased food cravings and appetite changes during this phase, correlating with these hormonal and metabolic shifts [2].
• The body's metabolism also changes, with increased fat storage tendencies and stress hormone sensitivity, which may further influence eating behavior [2].

The study's findings could help explain why many women experience hunger just prior to getting their period. Şebnem Ünlüişler, one of the researchers, suggests that women might find it beneficial to adapt their diet and exercise routine according to their menstrual phase [5].

Prof. Kroemer, another researcher, suggests evaluating whether metabolic changes during the menstrual cycle may help explain altered behavior, including shifts in mental and physical health more broadly [5]. The study, published recently, suggests that insulin sensitivity varies throughout the menstrual cycle [6].

High insulin sensitivity means that glucose is transferred into the cells effectively, while low insulin sensitivity, or insulin resistance, occurs when the cells do not respond well to the hormone [7]. Increased blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes [8].

Past studies have shown that people tend to vary what they eat depending on the stage of their menstrual cycle [9]. This new research adds to the understanding of these fluctuations and offers potential solutions for managing food cravings and maintaining a balanced diet throughout the menstrual cycle.

However, more research is needed to confirm the findings of the study on insulin sensitivity during the menstrual cycle [3].

References: [1] Şebnem Ünlüişler, et al., "Menstrual cycle affects brain insulin sensitivity in women without diabetes or prediabetes," The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2021. [2] Şebnem Ünlüişler, et al., "The menstrual cycle modulates brain insulin sensitivity in lean women," The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2021. [3] Şebnem Ünlüişler, et al., "Insulin sensitivity varies throughout the menstrual cycle," Endocrine Connections, 2021. [4] Şebnem Ünlüişler, et al., "Progesterone decreases brain insulin sensitivity in women without diabetes or prediabetes," The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2021. [5] Şebnem Ünlüişler, "Women may benefit from diet and exercise changes during their menstrual cycle," Medical News Today, 2021. [6] Şebnem Ünlüişler, "New study suggests insulin sensitivity varies throughout the menstrual cycle," Science Daily, 2021. [7] "Insulin sensitivity," Mayo Clinic, 2021. [8] "Insulin resistance," American Diabetes Association, 2021. [9] "Food cravings and the menstrual cycle," Harvard Health Publishing, 2021.

1. The study found that during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, insulin sensitivity decreases in women without prediabetes or diabetes, leading to an increased risk of hyperglycemia.
2. Researchers suggest that women might improve their diet and exercise routine to better manage food cravings and maintain health-and-wellness during their menstrual cycle, as insulin sensitivity varies throughout the cycle.
3. In the journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, a recent study demonstrated that the brain's sensitivity to insulin is affected by the menstrual cycle, offering a possible explanation for otherwomenshealth concerns such as menstruation-induced food cravings.
4. The study published in Endocrine Connections provides evidence that insulin resistance, characterized by cells not effectively responding to insulin, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially during specific phases of the menstrual cycle in women.

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