Laken Brooks is a PhD English student at the University of Florida where she studies the intersections between technology, art, and healthcare. She grew up in a family of paramedics and ER nurses. Some of her interests include LGBTQ+ identity, disability, healthcare access in rural environments, health technologies, and storytelling.
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.
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 medicalThe 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," psychologistThese bodily responses may cause a smoker to feel more alert and less irritable. These physical effects become even stronger 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 lowerand a higher chance of getting injured during their follicular phase.
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.Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.
Tobacco Nicotine Smoking Quitting Addiction Menstruation Period Ovulation Withdrawal
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