There are many things that women can blame on “that time of the month,” from uncontrollable cravings to moodiness and depression. However, this is not all that menstruation does each month to millions, as a new study has just linked it to overspending and compulsive shopping. Going out to buy new stuff is one of women’s best ways of dealing with PMS and all that it entails, the study suggests.

Researchers at Hertfordshire University led by Professor Karen Pine conducted the study on 443 women aged 18 to 50. At the end of it, they noted that, ten days before menstruation, all of them were less in control of their finances – or urges, for that matter – therefore, more likely to overspend and buy things they did not really need. The same study also revealed that remorse appeared in most of them, if not almost instantly, then most certainly towards the beginning of the next cycle.

“The later women were in their menstrual cycle, the more likely they were to have overspent. Spending was less controlled, more impulsive and more excessive for women in the luteal phase. The spending behavior tends to be a reaction to intense emotions. They are feeling very stressed or depressed and are more likely to go shopping to cheer themselves up and using it to regulate their emotions.” Dr. Pine explains, as quoted by the Daily Mail. At the same time, she also points out that shopping is a “socially sanctioned way” of dealing with emotions, as compared to alcohol and drugs.

However, while sanctioned, this type of uncontrolled shopping still has downsides, therefore should be put a hold on as quick as possible. For many women, shopping has become the only weapon against the PMS symptoms they have, in that it helps them overcome depression and moodiness, while also chasing away anxiety and bringing about a feeling of wellbeing. But that is not to say that ladies should be indulging in this habit for too long.

“If women are worried about their spending behavior, then they should avoid going shopping at the end of their menstrual cycle.” Dr. Pine warns. Researcher Simonne Gnessen agrees, pointing out that this type of shopping is one of the biggest causes of female debt, if not actually the biggest. “Many women say shopping has become an emotional habit. Instead of spending because they need the goods, they spend for the thrill that buying gives them.” Gnessen explains.