Gustatory and food habit changes during the menstrual cycle.

Gustatory and food habit changes during the menstrual cycle were studied in 8 women, 6 smokers and 2 non-smokers, aged 23-37 years. The following parameters were evaluated during three consecutive menstrual cycles: blood oestradiol and progesterone levels on the 7th, 14th and 21st day of each cycle (radioimmunoassay); detection and recognition thresholds and concentration preferences for sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid and quinine sulphate on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day of each cycle; food consumption (weighed record) on days 1 and 2, 6-8, 13-15 and 20-22 each cycle. The four basic tastes were influenced differently by blood hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Sensitivity to sweet taste increased with an increase of oestradiol, while sensitivity to bitter taste increased with an increase of progesterone. No correlations between hormone levels and acid taste, and only a few correlations for salt taste were found. Food habits changed during the cycle particularly for meat and fruit. Vegetables and cereals showed only a tendency to vary. In correspondence with the highest oestradiol values there was a tendency towards lower energy intake, -122 kcal (-0.51 MJ) = 8%, predominantly provided by carbohydrates (as bread).