Premenstrual syndrome increases appetite and food cravings in the luteal phase.

Is it true that premenstrual syndrome increases appetite and food cravings in the luteal phase?

Unclear. Several studies report that women with PMS show greater hedonic hunger, food cravings, and energy intake, with two sources specifically locating the increase in the luteal phase. However, all of these findings concern women with PMS rather than women generally, so the evidence covers only a narrower version of the claim.

Verdict: PARTIAL LEAN · 4 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Candan, E., Metin, Z., & Tengilimoğlu-Metin, M. (2025). The role of premenstrual syndrome in hedonic hunger and food craving during the menstrual cycle. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2025.10038

The role of premenstrual syndrome in hedonic hunger and food craving during the menstrual cycle - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2025.10038

E, K., M, G., & Y, D. O. (2025). Hedonic hunger and food cravings: understanding their role in premenstrual syndrome among nursing students.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1659974

Investigating the associations between chronotype, physical activity, premenstrual syndrome, hunger, and food choice among Turkish women. (2024). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2024.2439136

PMS, Hedonic Hunger & Menstrual Cycle Cravings Explained. (n.d.). cambridge.org. https://www.cambridge.org/core/blog/2026/02/25/when-chocolate-calls-louder-what-pms-really-does-to-womens-appetite/