Non-randomised trial, 2013
Does menstrual cycle phase affect protective hormones during smoking cessation?
Yes. Allopregnanolone (a hormone related to progesterone) decreased by 10% during smoking cessation in the follicular phase but increased by 31% in the luteal phase, which may explain why the luteal phase is better for quitting smoking.
What they did
They studied 84 women smokers (48 with depression or past depression, 36 without) during both the follicular and luteal phases. Blood samples were taken while women smoked normally and on the fourth day of confirmed smoking cessation.
What they found
Allopregnanolone decreased by 10% during cessation in the follicular phase but increased by 31% in the luteal phase. No significant differences in allopregnanolone levels between women with and without depression. Average age was 30 years, smoked 12.6 cigarettes daily, and 73% were White.
What it means for you
The luteal phase appears more favorable for quitting smoking due to hormone increases that may protect against relapse. The follicular phase may be riskier. However, this was a small study with limited ethnic diversity, so results may not apply to all women.
-10%
Allopregnanolone change in follicular phase
+31%
Allopregnanolone change in luteal phase
12.6
Cigarettes smoked per day (average)
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual phase, depressive symptoms, and allopregnanolone during short-term smoking cessation
- Authors
- Allen AM, al'Absi M, Lando H et al.
- Journal
- Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 84
- What was tested
- Smoking cessation for 4 days during two different menstrual cycle phases
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1037/a0034075
Topics
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