The menstrual cycle and sensitivity of taste perception

Abstract

Summary Subjects were tested for taste sensitivity to PROP and 1-quinine sulfate through one or more menstrual cycles. A significant increase in sensitivity to both PROP and quinine was found to occur at the time of menstruation in some subjects. Sixty-six per cent of the subjects showed some increase in sensitivity, the extent of which varied greatly. Other subjects showed no change, and a few declined in sensitivity. No association could be detected between change in sensitivity and the occurrence of dysmenorrhea or the symptoms of the premenstrual tension syndrome. A significant positive correlation was observed between increased taste sensitivity and irregularity in length of the menstrual cycle.