Survey study, 2015
Does drinking alcohol change at different times of the menstrual cycle?
The results were mixed. Some research found women drink more before menstruation, some found they drink less, and some found no change. The differences may be because researchers measured the cycle and alcohol in different ways.
What they did
Researchers reviewed 13 published studies about whether and how alcohol use changes across the menstrual cycle in women.
What they found
Of the 13 studies reviewed, some found the week before menstruation was linked to increased alcohol use, some found decreased use, and some found no link. Why the results differed is unclear.
What it means for you
We don't yet have clear answers about whether the menstrual cycle affects drinking, because studies measured things in different ways. More research using consistent methods is needed to understand the connection.
13
studies reviewed
About the study
- Original title
- The relationship between alcohol consumption and menstrual cycle: a review of the literature
- Authors
- Carroll HA, Lustyk MK, Larimer ME
- Journal
- Archives of women's mental health
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 13
- What was tested
- None - systematic review of existing research
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00737-015-0568-2
Topics
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