--- title: Does the menstrual cycle affect alcohol use and what should researchers study about this? description: Some people reported drinking less during their period and drinking to cope with premenstrual symptoms, though many weren't aware of these pattern changes. Pe url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/a-qualitative-exploration-into-the-experiences-of-the-menstrual-cycle-in-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the menstrual cycle affect alcohol use and what should researchers study about this? Interview study, 2025 # Does the menstrual cycle affect alcohol use and what should researchers study about this? Some people reported drinking less during their period and drinking to cope with premenstrual symptoms, though many weren't aware of these pattern changes. People need better education about their menstrual cycle and healthcare support. Early or limited evidence 20 people in the UK who experience menstrual cycles. ## What they did Researchers interviewed 20 people in the UK about how their menstrual cycle affects their drinking and what research questions matter most to them. They analyzed the interviews to identify common themes. ## What they found People reported drinking less during their period, sometimes drinking to manage premenstrual symptoms, but many were unaware of these changes. People felt they lacked knowledge about their menstrual cycle and healthcare support was inconsistent. ## What it means for you This is a small interview study from one country, so experiences may differ elsewhere. It is descriptive and shows we need more research and better education about menstrual cycles and alcohol use. 20 semi-structured interviews 1 country (UK) ## About the study Original title A qualitative exploration into the experiences of the menstrual cycle in relation to alcohol use and research Authors Jasmine Grace Warren, Victoria Fallon, Laura Goodwin et al. Journal Journal of Substance Use Year 2025 Study design Interview study What was tested None, qualitative interviews only. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2025.2481072](https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2025.2481072) Original abstract Introduction Despite approximately half of the population experiencing menstrual cycles, little is known about experiences of fluctuations in mood and behavior relating to alcohol use. Literature has investigated whether the cycle affects alcohol use, but none have explored whether individuals are conscious of effects. It is also crucial to understand what people believe is important for researchers to investigate within this topic. The aim was to qualitatively investigate experiences of the menstrual cycle and how it may affect alcohol use. The second aim was to understand what methods researchers should consider.Methods Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze 20 semi-structured interviews from individuals in the UK.Results Results showed alcohol themes: alcohol during menses (reduced consumption); motives for consumption (less social drinking during menses and drinking to cope with premenstrual symptoms); and conscious changes in alcohol use (individuals were unaware of fluctuations). For research themes: menstrual literacy (inadequate education); healthcare (inconsistencies in healthcare provision); and research topics (key areas suggested).Conclusion Overall, there are some conscious fluctuations in alcohol use, with regard to menses, and menstrual literacy was generally poor. Further research is needed for other samples (e.g., menopausal individuals and alcohol). Also, improvements in menstrual education are needed to improve menstrual literacy. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[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 Survey study, 2025 Does PMDD or PMS affect quality of life? 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? Cohort study, 2026 Are diet and lifestyle linked to premenstrual symptoms in college students? Cohort study, 2026 Does cannabis use vary across the menstrual cycle in people with premenstrual disorders? Survey study, 2024 Is physical activity linked to PMS symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗