TUSEB Project 2024-A4-02

Effect of Coping with Premenstrual Syndrome and Eating Behavior on Mood and Quality of Life in Women of Reproductive Age

TUSEB Emergency Research and Development Project Support Program (2024-A4-02)

Within the scope of the TUSEB Emergency Research and Development Project Support Program (2024-A4-02), the project led by Prof. Dr. Nevin Şanlıer has been accepted. Ankara Medipol University and the Obesity Dietitians Association are stakeholders in the project.

Project poster: premenstrual syndrome and nutrition
Research team during fieldwork
Survey execution and measurement process
Results visualization: nutrition patterns

Introduction

The menstrual cycle is defined as a physiological process characterized by hormonal changes and bleeding that repeats regularly every month from menarche to menopause (Arı Yılmaz et al., 2020). An average cycle of 28 days occurring every 21–35 days is considered normal; it usually begins at ages 10–12 and ends at 45–50 (Schmalenberger et al., 2021).

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), characterized by physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the cycle, affects a large proportion of women, while its more severe form is referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (Itriyeva, 2022). In Türkiye, PMS prevalence ranges between 5.9% and 76%, and 70–90% of women report symptoms (Işgın & Büyüktuncer, 2017).

Nutrition and lifestyle play an important role in the emergence of PMS along with hormonal fluctuations. During the luteal phase, under the influence of progesterone, tendencies toward sweet and energy-dense foods increase, and the consumption of fatty, simple-sugar, and salty foods rises (Özçifçi & Kızıltan, 2021; Elgzar & Ibrahim, 2017). In women with PMS, increased energy intake—especially carbohydrates and fats—may influence the severity of symptoms (Ongan et al., 2021). While a Western dietary pattern has been found to be positively associated with PMS, balanced dietary models with complex carbohydrates, adequate protein, low saturated fat, simple sugars, and salt have been shown to alleviate symptoms (MoradiFili et al., 2020).

Regarding micronutrients, there is a negative relationship between calcium and vitamin D status and PMS symptoms; magnesium may alleviate symptoms through serotonin and dopamine production; zinc supplementation has positive effects on antioxidant capacity and cognitive functions (Abdi et al., 2019; Jafari et al., 2020). In addition, consumption of dried fruits, nuts, and fruits has positive effects on behavioral symptoms, and milk consumption may reduce the incidence of PMS (Hashim et al., 2019; Heidarzadeh et al., 2021).

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition particularly observed in young women, characterized by physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Under the influence of hormonal changes, the brain’s hunger–satiety center is affected, appetite increases, and food preferences change. During the luteal phase, consumption of fatty, simple-sugar, and salty foods increases, and cravings for carbohydrates—especially foods high in sugar—are common (Elgzar & Ibrahim, 2017). In this period, the number of “eating episodes” increases, elevating energy, simple sugar, and fat intake (Ongan et al., 2021). While the Western diet is associated with PMS severity, dietary models containing complex carbohydrates, adequate protein, and low saturated fat and salt may alleviate symptoms. Fatigue, irritability, nervousness, and mood swings accompanying PMS, together with changes in eating behavior, may, in some individuals, also pave the way for disordered eating behaviors (Hardin et al., 2020; Çoban et al., 2021).

In the management of PMS, nutrition should be addressed with a holistic approach that includes energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient patterns. Appropriate dietary models stand out as an important strategy for alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life, and preventing potential disordered eating behaviors.

Project Aim

During the premenstrual period, symptoms such as irritability, tension, depression, and anxiety may occur in women. This can affect appetite and food preferences, leading to emotional eating behavior. This project aims to evaluate the effects of symptoms during this period on women's mood, quality of life, and eating behaviors.

Project Aim

Hypotheses

  1. During the premenstrual period, women's mood affects their eating behaviors.
  2. Women with premenstrual syndrome have a higher body mass index.
  3. Depression during the premenstrual period increases women's food cravings.
  4. Premenstrual symptoms reduce women's appetite.
  5. Premenstrual symptoms increase emotional eating.
  6. Premenstrual syndrome affects women's quality of life.
  7. Premenstrual syndrome affects women's mood.

Method

  • The questionnaire administered to women aged 19–40 who voluntarily participated in the study consists of demographic information, anthropometric measurements, food frequency questionnaire, and various scales (short form of Food Craving Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, WHO-10 Well-Being Index, Premenstrual Coping Measure, Emotional Eating Scale).
  • Anthropometric measurements were performed with the InBody 120 device.
  • The obtained data were evaluated using statistical analysis methods.
  • Our project, planned with a scientific and holistic approach, is supported within the scope of the TUSEB Emergency R&D Project Support Program.

👩‍🔬 By Science, For Women

Project Team

Prof. Dr. Nevin ŞANLIER - Project Leader

Project Leader

Prof. Dr. Nevin ŞANLIER

Ankara Medipol University Obesity Dietitians Association TUSEB

Project Executing Institutions

Ankara Medipol University

Project Executing Institution

TUSEB

Project Executing Institution

Obesity Dietitians Association

Project Executing Institution

🌱 Results That Touch Women's Lives

Through this project, we aim to clarify the relationship between PMS and nutrition scientifically, develop personalized nutrition protocols for women, raise social awareness, and increase women's energy and happiness in work, social, and family life.

References

  1. Abdi, F., Ozgoli, G., & Rahnemaie, F. S. (2019). A systematic review of the role of vitamin D and calcium in premenstrual syndrome. Obstetrics & Gynecology Science, 62(2), 73.
  2. Arı Yılmaz, M., Eroğlu, N., Garipağaoğlu, M. (2020). Symptoms across the menstrual cycle and coping strategies in normal-weight and obese women. Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi, 7(2), 131-136.
  3. Çoban, Ö. G., Karakaya, D., Önder, A., İşleyen, Z., Adanır, A. S. (2021). Association of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and eating behaviors among nursing students: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 34(2), 203-208.
  4. Elgzar, W. T. I., Ibrahim, H. A. F. (2017). The relationship between dietary habits and severity of premenstrual syndrome among medical college students at Najran University. Merit Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 5(12), 646-53.
  5. Hardin, S.L., Thornton, L.M., Munn-Chernoff, M.A., Baker, J.H. (2020). Premenstrual symptoms as a marker of ovarian hormone sensitivity in eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53, 296-301.
  6. Hashim, M. S., Obaideen, A. A., Jahrami, H. A., Radwan, H., Hamad, H. J., Owais, A. A., Faris, M. E. A. I. E. (2019). Premenstrual syndrome is associated with dietary and lifestyle behaviors among university students: A cross-sectional study from Sharjah, UAE. Nutrients, 11(8), 1939.
  7. Heidarzadeh, A., Dehghan, M., Loripoor, M., & Ghanbari, S. (2021). The Relationship between Pattern of Nutrition and Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea in Girl Students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2018: A Descriptive Study. Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, 20(4), 435-450.
  8. Işgın, K., Büyüktuncer, Z. (2017). Nutritional approach in premenstrual syndrome. Turkish Journal of Hygiene and Experimental Biology, 74(3), 249-260.
  9. Itriyeva, K. (2022). Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in adolescents. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, 52(5), 101187.
  10. Jafari, F., Amani, R., Tarrahi, M. J. (2020). Effect of zinc supplementation on physical and psychological symptoms, biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in young women with premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Biological Trace Element Research, 194, 89-95.
  11. MoradiFili, B., Ghiasvand, R., Pourmasoumi, M., Feizi, A., Shahdadian, F., Shahshahan, Z. (2020). Dietary patterns are associated with premenstrual syndrome: evidence from a case-control study. Public Health Nutrition, 23(5), 833-842.
  12. Ongan, D., Bozdağ, A.N.S., Kuleli, M., Ünsal, B., Yıldırım, E. (2021). Eating addiction in women with premenstrual syndrome: A new piece of the puzzle. İzmir Katip Çelebi University Journal of Health Sciences, 6(2), 39-46.
  13. Özçifçi, N., Kızıltan, G. (2021). The effect of the menstrual cycle on dietary habits and appetite. Başkent University Journal of Health Sciences - BÜSBİD, 6.
  14. Schmalenberger, K. M., Tauseef, H. A., Barone, J. C., Owens, S. A., Lieberman, L., Jarczok, M. N., Girdler, S. S., Kiesner, J., Ditzen, B., & Eisenlohr-Moul, T. A. (2021). How to study the menstrual cycle: Practical tools and recommendations. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 123, 104895.