Mood disturbances linked to premenstrual tension syndrome and their association with compulsive overeating behaviors
Anna Schmidt
2026-03-22
2 min. read
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During the autumn and winter seasons, when exposure to natural sunlight is substantially diminished and outdoor air pollution reaches concerning levels, a significant portion of the population experiences a decline in mental well-being. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a subtype of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern, becomes particularly pronounced in these months, often culminating in episodes of uncontrolled food consumption that exceed the body’s nutritional requirements. Epidemiological evidence indicates that approximately 10% of individuals are affected by this condition, with women exhibiting a fourfold greater susceptibility than men—a disparity that may be attributed to the influence of cyclical hormonal fluctuations on mood regulation and appetite control mechanisms.
PMS and its effect on appetite
There's a similar correlation in women with PMS, because if you eat a high-carb meal that causes an increase in serotonin, and that's when your hormonal system is disrupted. Two weeks before your period, there's an increased production of female hormones and a decrease in the production of serotonin in your body. It's going to be like an increased desire for carbohydrates in your SAD, because when you take a higher-carbohydrate meal, it's triggering a serotonin increase, which is going to help improve your appetite and reduce your stress.