Study, 2000
Is it easier to quit smoking at a particular time in the menstrual cycle?
Yes. Women who quit smoking during the first 14 days of their cycle experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms and less depression compared to women who quit later in their cycle.
What they did
The study compared women who quit smoking at different times in their menstrual cycle. One group quit during the first 14 days after their period started (41 women), and another quit on day 15 or later (37 women). Researchers measured withdrawal symptoms, mood, and menstrual discomfort, and verified that all women stayed smoke-free.
What they found
Women who quit during the first 14 days of their cycle reported significantly lower increases in withdrawal symptoms and depressive symptoms compared to women who quit on day 15 or later.
What it means for you
Choosing when to quit smoking may matter. Women might have an easier time quitting if they quit early in their menstrual cycle when withdrawal is likely to be less severe. The limitation is that we don't know if this applies to all groups of women.
41
women quit during first 14 days of cycle
37
women quit during day 15 or later
About the study
- Original title
- Tobacco withdrawal in women and menstrual cycle phase
- Authors
- Perkins KA, Levine M, Marcus M et al.
- Journal
- Journal of consulting and clinical psychology
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 41
- What was tested
- Timing of smoking cessation relative to menstrual cycle phase
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.68.1.176
Topics
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