Randomised trial, 2010
Does the menstrual cycle phase affect smoking withdrawal severity and relapse risk?
Yes. Women who quit smoking during the luteal phase (second half of the cycle) experienced more severe withdrawal and premenstrual symptoms. Anger and craving during quit attempts were linked to higher relapse risk.
What they did
Randomized trial with 202 women (average age 29.8 years, smoking 16.6 cigarettes per day). Women were randomly assigned to quit smoking either in the follicular phase (first half of cycle, 106 women) or luteal phase (second half, 96 women). Researchers tracked withdrawal symptoms and smoking status at 14 and 30 days after quitting.
What they found
Women in the luteal phase reported significantly more severe premenstrual and withdrawal symptoms than those in the follicular phase. In women who quit during the follicular phase, higher anger (odds ratio 2.00) and higher craving (odds ratio 2.63) were associated with relapse at 14 days. Most withdrawal symptoms were linked to higher relapse risk regardless of quit phase.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle phase affects how difficult smoking cessation is, with the luteal phase being more challenging. Anger and craving are warning signs for relapse. This research is specific to smoking cessation and may not apply to other situations.
202
women in study
29.8
average age in years
2.63
odds ratio for craving and relapse
About the study
- Original title
- Severity of withdrawal symptomatology in follicular versus luteal quitters: The combined effects of menstrual phase and withdrawal on smoking cessation outcome
- Authors
- Allen AM, Allen SS, Lunos S et al.
- Journal
- Addictive behaviors
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 202
- What was tested
- Attempt to quit smoking in either follicular or luteal menstrual phase
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.01.003
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2025
Does PMDD or PMS affect quality of life?
Randomised trial, 2025
Does the menstrual cycle phase affect how much alcohol impairs women's memory?
Systematic review, 2025
Does alcohol use affect menstrual health in teenage girls?
Systematic review, 2021
Does substance use change across the menstrual cycle, especially in women with PMS or PMDD?
Systematic review, 2019
Do women take more health-related risks at certain times in their menstrual cycle?
Cohort study, 2026
Are diet and lifestyle linked to premenstrual symptoms in college students?