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Melanie McCleary

Melanie McCleary

Mentor

Dr. Bobbi Langkamp-Henken

College

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Major

Nutritional Sciences

Minor

Food Science

Organizations

March of Dimes Collegiate Council, Health Science Student Organization, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority

Academic Awards

Dean’s List, University Scholars Program 2021

Volunteering

UF Health Shands Student Volunteer, Brighten A Day

Research Interests

Women’s Health, Nutrition, Dietary Habits

Hobbies and Interests

Baking, volunteering, crafting, and exploring the outdoors

Research Project

Do menstrual symptoms predict food cravings when controlling for oral contraceptive type?

Many women experience unwanted physical and emotional symptoms during the period of menstruation. Hormonal fluctuations have been found to cause these symptoms which can lead to changes in certain behaviors including eating habits. Despite these findings, current research fails to adequately describe how menstrual symptoms themselves influence changes in food preferences during menstruation. This study aims to determine the impact of menstrual symptoms on food cravings during menstruation when controlling for oral contraceptive type, high versus low dose pills. Secondary analyses will also examine the relationships among menstrual symptoms, dose of oral contraceptives and macronutrient intake (i.e., carbohydrate, fat, and protein) as a percentage of total energy intake.

  • Dr. Bobbi Langkamp-Henken
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Food Science
  • Women’s Health, Nutrition, Dietary Habits
  • Dean’s List, University Scholars Program 2021
  • March of Dimes Collegiate Council, Health Science Student Organization, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority
  • UF Health Shands Student Volunteer, Brighten A Day
  • Baking, volunteering, crafting, and exploring the outdoors
  • Do menstrual symptoms predict food cravings when controlling for oral contraceptive type?

  • Many women experience unwanted physical and emotional symptoms during the period of menstruation. Hormonal fluctuations have been found to cause these symptoms which can lead to changes in certain behaviors including eating habits. Despite these findings, current research fails to adequately describe how menstrual symptoms themselves influence changes in food preferences during menstruation. This study aims to determine the impact of menstrual symptoms on food cravings during menstruation when controlling for oral contraceptive type, high versus low dose pills. Secondary analyses will also examine the relationships among menstrual symptoms, dose of oral contraceptives and macronutrient intake (i.e., carbohydrate, fat, and protein) as a percentage of total energy intake.