Impact of Junk Food Consumption on Menstrual Health and Circadian Rhythms: A Comprehensive Review

The rising consumption of junk food—high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats—has been associated with various metabolic and hormonal dis turbances. Two often overlooked consequences are its impacts on menstrual health and circadian rhythm regulation. This review synthesizes current literature on the relationship between junk food intake, menstrual irregularities (including premenstrual syndrome [PMS]), and disrup tions in circadian rhythms, particularly in adolescent and young adult women. Frequent junk food consumption is linked to exacerbation of PMS symptoms, irregular menstrual cycles, and hormonal imbalances. Simultaneously, such diets disturb circadian rhythms by disrupting me tabolism, delaying melatonin secretion, and impairing sleep-wake cycles. Shared biological mechanisms include chronic inflammation, oxida tive stress, and dysregulation of neuroendocrine pathways—factors that adversely affect both reproductive and circadian systems. Under standing these interconnected effects is crucial, as disrupted circadian functioning may further aggravate menstrual disorders and overall health outcomes. This review underscores the need for increased awareness of dietary influences on hormonal and chrono-biological regula tion. It also highlights the importance of integrating dietary strategies into preventive and therapeutic approaches targeting women’s repro ductive and circadian health. Future research should explore these pathways more deeply to inform clinical interventions and public health recommendations focused on young female populations.