How does the menstrual cycle affect a woman's basal metabolic rate?

During the luteal phase, a woman's basal metabolic rate can increase by approximately 100–300 kcal per day (caution: such aggressive deficits trigger adaptive thermogenesis — a moderate 300-500 kcal deficit is safer and more sustainable). This slight elevation in metabolic rate is influenced by hormonal changes, particularly the rise in progesterone, which can affect energy expenditure and appetite.