Survey study, 1994
Does substance use change with the menstrual cycle?
No, cigarette smoking, alcohol, and caffeine intake remain stable across all phases of the menstrual cycle and do not change with menstrual symptoms.
What they did
Female smokers recorded daily diaries of their menstrual symptoms, cigarette smoking, and alcohol and caffeine intake throughout their menstrual cycle.
What they found
Menstrual symptoms were highest during menstruation and mainly involved physical discomfort. Smoking amounts did not change across different menstrual phases, and there was no relationship between symptom severity and smoking. Alcohol and caffeine intake also showed no phase-related changes.
What it means for you
For women smokers, substance use stays consistent throughout the month regardless of cycle phase. This suggests menstrual changes do not drive smoking, alcohol, or caffeine use. The study excluded women with premenstrual symptoms, so findings may not apply to women with PMS.
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of menstrual phase on nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine intake in smokers
- Authors
- Pomerleau CS, Cole PA, Lumley MA et al.
- Journal
- Journal of substance abuse
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0899-3289(94)90253-4
Topics
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