Menstrual phase effects on smoking cessation: a pilot feasibility study
Matthew J Carpenter1, Michael E Saladin, Ashley S Leinbach
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. carpente@musc.edu
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|March 7, 2008
Summary
Timing smoking cessation quit attempts during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle may improve abstinence rates. This pilot study suggests feasibility for future research on menstrual cycle-based smoking cessation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Science
- Addiction Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Nicotine withdrawal and cigarette craving may fluctuate across the menstrual cycle.
- The luteal phase is potentially associated with increased craving and withdrawal symptoms.
- Timing smoking cessation interventions with the menstrual cycle may enhance abstinence rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To preliminarily assess the impact of timing smoking cessation quit attempts relative to the menstrual cycle.
- To identify methodological approaches for future clinical trials on menstrual cycle-timed smoking cessation.
Main Methods:
- A pilot randomized controlled trial involving female smokers (aged 18-40) not using hormonal contraception.
- Participants were assigned to quit smoking during either the follicular or luteal phase of their menstrual cycle.
- Intervention included two counseling sessions and a transdermal nicotine patch contingent on abstinence.
Main Results:
- Carbon monoxide-verified abstinence rates at 2 weeks post-quit date were higher in the follicular phase group (32%) compared to the luteal phase group (19%) among those who attempted to quit.
- The overall study population showed a similar trend, with abstinence rates of 24% in the follicular group versus 16% in the luteal group.
Conclusions:
- Timing smoking cessation quit attempts based on the menstrual phase is a feasible strategy.
- Findings suggest that the follicular phase may be more conducive to smoking cessation success.
- This study provides valuable insights and recommendations for future research in menstrual cycle-timed smoking cessation.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:18Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...