Smell/taste gone, does this happen to you?

[Scentless]

I've name changed as I'm posting on behalf of a friend who hasn't fully realised the joy of mumsnet yet.

Basically, round the time of her period her sense of taste/smell seems to change and she can go off her food. Apparently that's been a common side effect. Now, about a week after her period its totally out of whack - perfectly cooked chicken smells off / chilli taste isnt as noticeable etc. So same issue, but different time in the month.

Covid and pregnancy both ruled out. She's under 35 and generally healthy.

Is this something anyone else experiences? Any ideas what causes it?

Does she have migraines? I sometimes experienced weirdnesses of tase and smell a few days before one. Took me years to link them.

Oh thats interesting - I'm sure she does, she's had some bad ones and used to keep a certain brand of painkiller on hand just in case. Thank you!