---
title: Does premenstrual syndrome make it harder to stop using drugs?
description: In three women being treated for GHB dependence, strong urges to use the drug appeared during the premenstrual period. This suggests premenstrual symptoms may
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-as-a-risk-factor-for-relapse-in-ghb-dependent-patients-a-2020/
---

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- Does premenstrual syndrome make it harder to stop using drugs?

Case report, 2020

# Does premenstrual syndrome make it harder to stop using drugs?

In three women being treated for GHB dependence, strong urges to use the drug appeared during the premenstrual period. This suggests premenstrual symptoms may be connected to substance use cravings.

 Early or limited evidence

Three women with dependence on GHB, a drug of abuse

## What they did

Doctors followed three women with dependence on GHB (a drug of abuse) during hospital detoxification. They tracked premenstrual complaints and the women's cravings for GHB across two menstrual cycles.

## What they found

While in the hospital, the women did not return to using GHB. However, they reported high cravings for the drug during each menstrual cycle. In the late luteal phase (about a week before the period), cravings were strongest. The severity of their premenstrual complaints seemed to match how strong their drug cravings were.

## What it means for you

Premenstrual symptoms may be connected to substance cravings in women with drug dependence. If true, this could help doctors treat women who struggle with both premenstrual disorders and addiction. The main limit is this describes only three women followed for two cycles, so we don't know how strong this connection is in other women or for longer periods.

3

Number of women

2

Menstrual cycles tracked

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome as a risk factor for relapse in GHB dependent patients: a case series Authors Rouhollah Qurishi, Marieke Arts-De Jong, Victor J. A. Buwalda et al. Journal Journal of Substance Use Year 2020 Study design Case report What was tested Hospital detoxification; measurement of premenstrual symptoms and drug cravings Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2020.1723725](https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2020.1723725)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Appetite and food cravings](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-food-cravings/)

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## Related studies

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Survey study, 2016

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Randomised trial, 2011

Does a birth control pill reduce negative emotions, food cravings, and water retention in women with PMDD?

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What causes PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated?

Review, 1997

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