Randomised trial, 2013
Does menstrual phase and depression affect how women respond to nicotine after quitting smoking?
Yes, but mainly in women without depression. Women without depression showed larger cycle-phase differences in heart rate, blood pressure, and nicotine response.
What they did
47 female smokers aged 18-40 smoking at least 5 cigarettes per day were divided into two groups: 23 without depression and 24 with depression. After stopping smoking for 4 days, they were given nicotine nasal spray during two menstrual phases (follicular and luteal), with heart rate, blood pressure, and nicotine levels measured at multiple time points.
What they found
The no-depression group had larger menstrual phase differences (follicular higher than luteal) in diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and peak nicotine levels compared to the depression group. Participants were 29.1 ± 6.8 years old and smoked 12.5 ± 5.1 cigarettes per day on average.
What it means for you
Sex hormones and depression interact to shape how the body responds to nicotine, which could affect quit attempts at different cycle times. Small to moderate sample size.
47
women
29.1 ± 6.8 years
average age
12.5 ± 5.1
cigarettes per day
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual phase and depressive symptoms differences in physiological response to nicotine following acute smoking abstinence
- Authors
- Allen SS, Allen AM, Kotlyar M et al.
- Journal
- Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 47
- What was tested
- Nicotine nasal spray after 4 days of verified smoking abstinence
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1093/ntr/nts236
Topics
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