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Survey study, 2017

Do women with high PMS symptoms have more trouble quitting smoking?

Women with high mood-related PMS symptoms had higher tobacco dependence, more withdrawal symptoms during previous quit attempts, and used more smoking cessation aids. This suggests they may have more difficulty quitting.

Moderate study design 157 premenopausal women who smoke daily

What they did

Researchers analyzed data from 157 women who were regular smokers. They asked about tobacco dependence, previous quit attempts, withdrawal symptoms, use of cessation aids, and PMS symptoms in three areas: mood, water retention, and pain.

What they found

Women with high mood-related PMS symptoms had stronger tobacco dependence and more withdrawal symptoms during their most recent quit attempt. They had used more smoking cessation aids in past quit attempts and were more likely to have tried e-cigarettes during previous quit attempts.

What it means for you

Mood-related PMS symptoms may make quitting smoking harder. Women with high mood-related PMS may need extra support managing tobacco withdrawal to successfully quit. This study looks at patterns in one group of women, so it cannot prove that PMS causes smoking difficulties.

157

women smokers studied

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual symptoms and factors implicated in smoking cessation among woman smokers
Authors
Pang RD, Andrabi N, Leventhal AM
Journal
Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology
Year
2017
Study design
Survey study
Participants
157
Open access
Yes

Topics