May 31st is World No Tobacco Day, and the World Health Organization hopes that many people will pledge to quit smoking. Deciding to quit is an important first step toward a healthier lifestyle. However, nicotine cravings can tempt you to relapse. While men are more likely to start smoking, women report higher rates of relapse and worse withdrawal symptoms than men.
Sex hormones are partly to blame for this gender discrepancy.
Women who try to quit smoking before they ovulate tend to experience a higher risk of relapse, stronger withdrawal symptoms, and more severe PMS symptoms, according to a 2020 medical review published in the journal Frontiers Psychiatry. The follicular phase includes the first couple weeks of your cycle, before you ovulate. During this phase, your body produces more estrogen. Estrogen enhances nicotine’s “feel-good” chemicals, which encourages you to continue smoking.
“Incontrollable urges to smoke are stronger at the beginning of the follicular phase that begins after menstruation. Hormonal decreases of estrogen and progesterone possibly deepen the withdrawal syndrome and increase activity of neural circuits associated with craving,” psychologist Adrianna Mendrek said in an interview with Contemporary OB/GYN.
Smoking feels so rewarding (and addictive) because nicotine releases adrenaline and triggers dopamine. These bodily responses may cause a smoker to feel more alert and less irritable. These physical effects become even stronger (and even more addictive) in the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle.
When you quit an addictive substance like nicotine, you may feel mild-to-moderate headaches and body pain. These unpleasant symptoms can be compounded by the hormonal changes that you already experience during your menstrual cycle. Women may have a lower pain tolerance and a higher chance of getting injured during their follicular phase. For example, women athletes may track their cycle because “Muscle and tendon injuries occur almost twice as often in the late follicular phase” of menstruation, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. Many athletes strategically wear more protective gear and avoid risky moves during the late follicular phase of their period. Similarly, you can prepare for higher chances of success if you plan to quit smoking after you ovulate.
Quitting nicotine is not easy, but your menstrual cycle can provide you with a timeline to start. If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, consult your doctor to plan a time of the month when your sex hormones are less likely to elevate your cravings and worsen your withdrawal symptoms.
