Self-Reported Changes in Appetite, Mood, Sleep, and Food Craving Across Menstrual Cycle Phases Among Femele University Students

Yuli Dwi Setyowati, Debby Endayani Safitri

Self-Reported Changes in Appetite, Mood, Sleep, and Food Craving Across Menstrual Cycle Phases Among Femele University Students

Date Published : 11 April 2024

Contributors

Yuli Dwi Setyowati, Debby Endayani Safitri

Translator

Keywords

menstrual cycle appetite food craving mood sleep quality female university

Proceeding

The 2nd International Conference and Innovation Exhibiti on Global Education (ICEGE)

Track

General Track

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle may influence appetite, mood, sleep quality, and eating behavior among women of reproductive age. However, prospective observational studies exploring subjective experiences across menstrual phases remain limited,
particularly among Indonesian female university students. This study aimed to explore selfreported changes in appetite, food craving, mood, sleep quality, and physical symptoms across menstrual cycle phases among female university students. This exploratory prospective
observational study involved female university students who conducted self-observation throughout one menstrual cycle. Participants recorded subjective experiences during menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases, including appetite changes, food craving, mood, sleep
quality, activity level, and physical symptoms. Descriptive and thematic approaches were used to identify recurring patterns across phases. Distinct behavioral and subjective patterns were observed across menstrual phases. Menstrual and luteal phases were frequently associated with decreased energy, fatigue, sleep disturbance, emotional instability, and physical discomfort.
Increased appetite and food craving, particularly for savory and spicy foods, were predominantly reported during the luteal phase. In contrast, the follicular phase was commonly associated with more stable mood, improved energy, and lower fatigue. Several participants
also reported fluctuations in activity level and emotional state throughout the cycle. Selfreported appetite, mood, sleep, and food-related behaviors appeared to fluctuate across menstrual cycle phases. The luteal phase was characterized by increased appetite and emotional changes, while the follicular phase was associated with improved wellbeing and energy. These findings provide preliminary insights into menstrual phase-related behavioral changes among
young women.

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Self-Reported Changes in Appetite, Mood, Sleep, and Food Craving Across Menstrual Cycle Phases Among Femele University Students (Y. D. S. D. E. S. Yuli Dwi Setyowati, Debby Endayani Safitri, Trans.). (2024, April 11). Proceedings UHAMKA. https://conferences.uhamka.ac.id/uhamka/paper/view/213