Study, 1990
Does a woman's alcohol consumption change during her menstrual cycle when she has premenstrual symptoms?
No. While physical distress increased during the premenstrual and menstrual phases, alcohol consumption did not change with the cycle. Social factors such as spending time with others and the day of the week influenced drinking instead.
What they did
Eighty-two normally menstruating women (52 at lower risk and 30 at higher risk for alcoholism based on family history) recorded their daily alcohol intake, physical and emotional distress symptoms, and overall stress for two consecutive menstrual cycles. They did not know their menstrual cycles were being tracked.
What they found
Physical distress was significantly higher during the premenstrual and menstrual phases compared to other times. Negative emotions and overall stress did not change through the cycle. Women at higher risk for alcoholism drank more total alcohol overall. However, alcohol consumption was not related to the menstrual cycle, distress symptoms, or stress levels. Women reported drinking mainly for pleasure when with others, and drank more on weekends than weekdays.
What it means for you
Physical symptoms do increase during certain phases of the menstrual cycle, but this does not drive alcohol consumption. Social situations and habits control drinking patterns instead. This suggests the menstrual cycle itself does not cause increased drinking in young women.
82
Women studied: 52 at lower risk and 30 at higher risk for alcoholism
2
Consecutive menstrual cycles tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Alcohol consumption and menstrual distress in women at higher and lower risk for alcoholism
- Authors
- Charette L, Tate DL, Wilson A
- Journal
- Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.1990.tb00462.x
Topics
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