Body image changes over the menstrual cycle in normal women

Abstract

Changes in body image across the menstrual cycle and the relationship between these changes and menstrual distress were investigated in an effort to identify determinants of body dissatisfaction. Twenty‐six normally cycling women between 18–40 years of age and 90–115% of ideal body weight, with no history of an eating disorder, completed a series of body image measures and a measure of menstrual distress during three menstrual cycle phases: perimenstrual, follicular, and luteal. These phases were identified with serum levels of ovarian hormones and basal body temperature. Results indicated that body dissatisfaction as measured by the number of body‐related negative thoughts and anxiety about appearance was significantly highest during the perimenstrual phase. In contrast, measures of body size perception remained stable. Several somatosensory and psychological symptoms of menstrual distress were significantly associated with body dissatisfaction during the perimenstrual phase including, water retention, autonomic reactivity, control, negative affect, and impaired concentration. This association of body dissatisfaction and menstrual distress strongly suggests that menstrual cycle changes play a significant role in body image. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Evaluation of stereo and chemical stability of chiral compounds

“…To our knowledge, the only other disordered eating symptom to be examined across the menstrual cycle is body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction was found to be highest in the peri‐menstrual phase (premenstrual plus menstrual phases) compared with the follicular/mid‐luteal phases 12–14. These patterns partially conform to results for binge eating, as binge eating also was elevated premenstrually in several studies 2, 3, 10.…”

“…These patterns partially conform to results for binge eating, as binge eating also was elevated premenstrually in several studies 2, 3, 10. However, studies of body dissatisfaction have only assessed participants on one occasion during each cycle phase,12–14 whereas studies of binge eating consisted of daily symptom reports across the menstrual cycle 2, 3, 10. Thus, menstrual cycle changes in body dissatisfaction must be examined via longitudinal studies that employ more frequent observations.…”

Situations connected with perceived loss of femininity: menopause and mastectomy – changes in perceiving oneself as a woman

“…Cykl miesięczny u kobiet traktowany jest jako jeden z atrybutów kobiecości, obok możliwości rodzenia dzieci czy karmienia piersią, i stąd jest ważny dla obrazu siebie i wiedzy o sobie [3]. Obraz siebie zmienia się podczas faz cyklu miesięcznego w zależności od stężeń hormonów [4,5], zmienia się również po pojawieniu się menopauzy. Menopauza jest oceniana przez kobiety jako doświadczenie raczej negatywne [6], często ujmowane w kategoriach straty [7], jednocześnie negatywna ocena sprzyja doświadczaniu w sposób silniejszy depresji, osłabienia, bólów głowy itp.…”

What Affects Body Size Estimation? The Role of Eating Disorders,Obesity, Weight Loss, Hunger, Restrained Eating, Mood, Depression,Sexual Abuse, Menstrual Cycle, Media Influences, and Gender

“…Altabe and Thompson [100] found women overestimated the width of their waists, especially during the perimenstrual (premenstrual plus menstrual) phase of the cycle. In contrast, Carr-Nangle, Johnson, Bergeron, and Nangle [101] and Jappe and Gardner [102] found no changes in body size perception throughout the menstrual cycle.…”