Randomised trial, 2009
Does the menstrual cycle phase affect a woman's ability to quit smoking?
Yes. Women had significantly higher premenstrual symptoms and smoking urges in the luteal phase, and variability in these measures was linked to relapse.
What they did
25 women intending to quit smoking were monitored while smoking normally during their follicular and luteal phases. Researchers measured mood, premenstrual symptoms, smoking withdrawal, and how many cigarettes they smoked each day.
What they found
Premenstrual symptoms and some mood and smoking withdrawal measures were significantly higher during the luteal phase than the follicular phase. Variability in these symptoms was associated with relapse. Cigarettes per day did not differ between phases.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle may affect smoking cessation success through hormone-related changes in symptoms and cravings. Main limit: small sample of 25 women.
25
women studied
luteal phase
phase with higher symptoms
p=0.0186
urge to smoke variability linked to relapse
About the study
- Original title
- Influence of phase-related variability in premenstrual symptomatology, mood, smoking withdrawal, and smoking behavior during ad libitum smoking, on smoking cessation outcome
- Authors
- Allen SS, Allen AM, Pomerleau CS
- Journal
- Addictive behaviors
- Year
- 2009
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 25
- What was tested
- Observation only - no intervention
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.08.009
Topics
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