Non-randomised trial, 2008
Does the timing of quitting smoking in the menstrual cycle affect success?
Yes. Women who quit during the early cycle phase before ovulation were much more likely to remain abstinent than those who quit during the premenstrual phase. At one week after quitting, 31 percent of early-cycle women were smoking compared with 71 percent of premenstrual-phase women.
What they did
A retrospective analysis of a smoking cessation trial. Researchers looked back at women who quit smoking and divided them by the menstrual cycle phase when they quit: early phase days 1-14 and premenstrual phase days 15-30. All participants received nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral support. Smoking status was checked at day 3 and one week after quitting.
What they found
On day 3 after quitting, 52 percent of premenstrual-phase women were smoking compared with 19 percent of early-cycle women. At one week post-treatment, 71 percent of premenstrual-phase women reported smoking compared with 31 percent of early-cycle women. Men in the trial had intermediate quit rates.
What it means for you
Women trying to quit smoking may have better chances of success if they time their quit date to the early phase of their menstrual cycle. This could be a simple, low-cost way to improve quit rates. The finding comes from one study examining past data rather than from a deliberate experiment, so further testing is needed to confirm it.
52%
premenstrual-phase women smoking on day 3
19%
early-cycle women smoking on day 3
71%
premenstrual-phase women smoking at week 9
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual cycle phase at quit date predicts smoking status in an NRT treatment trial: a retrospective analysis
- Authors
- Franklin TR, Ehrman R, Lynch KG et al.
- Journal
- Journal of women's health (2002)
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 65
- What was tested
- Nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral support for smoking cessation
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2007.0423
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2025
Does alcohol use affect menstrual health in teenage girls?
Case-control study, 2019
Is smoking linked to higher risk of PMS or PMDD?
Survey study, 2017
Are mental health problems linked to irregular periods in teenage girls?
Study, 2000
Is it easier to quit smoking at a particular time in the menstrual cycle?
Survey study, 2025
What lifestyle and body composition factors are associated with PMS in young women?
Survey study, 2017
Does fear of period pain affect mood and thinking during the menstrual cycle?