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Survey study, 2009

Does menstrual cycle phase affect how well women follow drug treatment?

The study found relationships between menstrual cycle phase and treatment compliance through anxiety levels, but the exact connection needs more research.

Early or limited evidence 75 women seeking treatment for drug use

What they did

Looked back at records from 75 women seeking treatment for drug use. They measured mental health and anxiety at intake, checked what drugs were in their system, and recorded what phase of their menstrual cycle they were in. Then tracked how well they followed treatment.

What they found

There were relationships between menstrual cycle phase, anxiety levels, and how well women followed treatment. The study suggested a potential relationship between menstrual cycle phase and anxiety.

What it means for you

The menstrual cycle might affect how well women stick with drug treatment, possibly through changes in anxiety, but this finding needs more research to understand. This is a small study looking back at existing records.

75

women in treatment study

About the study

Original title
The influence of intake urinalysis, psychopathology measures, and menstrual cycle phase on treatment compliance
Authors
Ambrose-Lanci LM, Sterling RC, Weinstein SP et al.
Journal
The American journal on addictions
Year
2009
Study design
Survey study

Topics