---
title: Is it easier to quit smoking at a particular time in the menstrual cycle?
description: Yes. Women who quit smoking during the first 14 days of their cycle experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms and less depression compared to women who quit later
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/tobacco-withdrawal-in-women-and-menstrual-cycle-phase-2000/
---

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- Is it easier to quit smoking at a particular time in the menstrual cycle?

Study, 2000

# Is it easier to quit smoking at a particular time in the menstrual cycle?

Yes. Women who quit smoking during the first 14 days of their cycle experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms and less depression compared to women who quit later in their cycle.

 Moderate study design

Premenopausal women who quit smoking, with 41 quitting during the first 14 days of their cycle and 37 quitting during day 15 or later

## What they did

The study compared women who quit smoking at different times in their menstrual cycle. One group quit during the first 14 days after their period started (41 women), and another quit on day 15 or later (37 women). Researchers measured withdrawal symptoms, mood, and menstrual discomfort, and verified that all women stayed smoke-free.

## What they found

Women who quit during the first 14 days of their cycle reported significantly lower increases in withdrawal symptoms and depressive symptoms compared to women who quit on day 15 or later.

## What it means for you

Choosing when to quit smoking may matter. Women might have an easier time quitting if they quit early in their menstrual cycle when withdrawal is likely to be less severe. The limitation is that we don't know if this applies to all groups of women.

41

women quit during first 14 days of cycle

37

women quit during day 15 or later

## About the study

Original title Tobacco withdrawal in women and menstrual cycle phase Authors Perkins KA, Levine M, Marcus M et al. Journal Journal of consulting and clinical psychology Year 2000 Study design Study Participants 41 What was tested Timing of smoking cessation relative to menstrual cycle phase Read the paper [doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.68.1.176](https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.68.1.176)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Cognitive behavioral therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-cbt/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Alcohol, smoking and substance use](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-substance-use/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)

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