--- title: Are smoking withdrawal and premenstrual symptoms connected to the menstrual cycle? description: Yes. Smoking withdrawal symptoms and premenstrual symptoms are both higher during the late luteal phase (just before the period). Symptoms are lower during th url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/symptomatology-and-energy-intake-during-the-menstrual-cycle-in-smoking-women-1996/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Are smoking withdrawal and premenstrual symptoms connected to the menstrual cycle? Study, 1996 # Are smoking withdrawal and premenstrual symptoms connected to the menstrual cycle? Yes. Smoking withdrawal symptoms and premenstrual symptoms are both higher during the late luteal phase (just before the period). Symptoms are lower during the follicular phase (right after the period). Moderate study design 32 women aged 18-40 who smoke ## What they did 32 women aged 18-40 who smoked were followed for about two menstrual cycles. Researchers measured premenstrual symptoms, smoking withdrawal symptoms, and food intake during three cycle phases: follicular, luteal, and late luteal. They verified cycle phases using hormone measurements. ## What they found Both premenstrual and withdrawal symptoms were higher in the late luteal phase. Women reported higher craving, irritability, restlessness, increased appetite, and depressed mood during this phase compared to other times. Food intake did not vary by cycle phase. Women believed they smoked more and ate more during the late luteal phase, but actual measurements did not confirm this. Overall symptomatology was lower during the follicular phase. ## What it means for you For women who smoke, premenstrual symptoms and smoking withdrawal happen at the same time, making quitting harder before the period. The follicular phase might be a better time to quit because symptoms are lower then. One limitation is that this is a small study of smokers only, so results may not apply to non-smokers. 32 women studied 2 menstrual cycles monitored (average) 18-40 age range ## About the study Original title Symptomatology and energy intake during the menstrual cycle in smoking women Authors Allen SS, Hatsukami D, Christianson D et al. Journal Journal of substance abuse Year 1996 Study design Study What was tested Monitoring of premenstrual symptoms, smoking withdrawal, and food intake across different menstrual cycle phases Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0899-3289(96)90170-4](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0899-3289(96)90170-4) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Appetite and food cravings](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-food-cravings/)[Alcohol, smoking and substance use](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-substance-use/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Review, 2001 What causes PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated? Survey study, 1994 How many different ways do researchers measure PMS in clinical trials? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2024 Is physical activity linked to PMS symptoms? Survey study, 2024 Can period-related symptoms predict whether female cyclists manipulate their periods? Survey study, 2022 What diet, stress, and lifestyle factors are linked to PMS symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗