Food Cravings, Depression, and Premenstrual Problems

Abstract

Based on clinical experience and following a confirmatory pilot study, a group of 300 nurses was canvassed by questionnaire concerning food cravings and menstrual periods. An association was found between the occurrence of cravings for food and/or sweets on the one hand, and premenstrual feelings of tension or depression on the other. In addition, a specific association was found between a craving for food or sweets at specific times of menstrual periods or depression and the occurrence of premenstrual fluid retention. These results suggest that it would be useful to seek a common physiological basis for food cravings, depression, and fluid retention in women.