<P> Preferences for body features can change during the fertile phase of the cycle . Women seeking a short - term partner demonstrate a preference for taller and muscular males . Women also show preferences of males with masculine bodies at peak fertility . Mixed research has been found regarding body symmetry preferences throughout different phases of the cycle . </P> <P> In short term mates, during the fertile phase, women may show more attraction to dominant men who display social presence . For long - term mates, shifts in desired trait preferences do not occur throughout the cycle . </P> <P> Females have been found to experience different eating habits at different stages of their menstrual cycle, with food intake being higher during the luteal phase than the follicular phase . Food intake increases by approximately 10% during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase . </P> <P> Various studies have shown that during the luteal phase woman consume more carbohydrates, proteins and fats and that 24 - hour energy expenditure shows increases between 2.5 - 11.5% . The increasing intake during the luteal phase may be related to higher preferences for sweet and fatty foods, which occurs naturally and is enhanced during the luteal phases of the menstrual cycle . This is due to the higher metabolic demand during this phase . In particular, women tend to show a cravings for chocolate, with higher cravings during the luteal phase . </P>

The cause of menses in the menstrual cycle is