Menstrual Cycle Phases and Their Impact on Alcohol Cravings and Consumption
A study presented at the 2025 Research Society on Alcohol meeting reveals that menstrual cycle hormones significantly influence alcohol cravings and consumption patterns in women. Understanding these hormonal effects can enhance targeted interventions for alcohol use disorder.
Recent research suggests that fluctuations in ovarian sex hormones across different phases of the menstrual cycle may influence women’s tendencies to crave and consume alcohol. A study presented at the annual Research Society on Alcohol meeting in June 2025 examined hormonal changes and drinking behaviors in young adult women or individuals assigned female at birth, providing valuable insights into how reproductive hormones may affect alcohol use.
The study involved 61 women who regularly consumed alcohol at least twice weekly and tracked their alcohol craving and intake over 35 days through saliva samples to analyze hormone levels. The findings revealed that alcohol craving varied significantly during different menstrual cycle phases. Cravings tended to increase during the midfollicular phase, which occurs shortly after menstruation, and again during the midluteal phase, with a decrease observed during the late follicular, periovulatory, and late luteal phases. Importantly, while craving levels fluctuated, there was no significant change in the actual probability of drinking or binge drinking across the cycle phases.
Furthermore, the data indicated that the probabilities for drinking and binge drinking peaked around ovulation during the follicular phase, coinciding with rising levels of estradiol, a key reproductive hormone. Although the hormonal influence was marginal, the pattern implies that increasing estradiol levels may elevate the risk of craving and alcohol consumption in women.
These findings highlight the importance of understanding hormonal influences on drinking behaviors, potentially allowing women to be more aware of periods when they may be more vulnerable to alcohol cravings. Health professionals could use this information to improve assessment and treatment strategies for women experiencing alcohol-related issues. The research opens the door to exploring hormone-stabilizing medications as a new avenue for managing alcohol use disorders in women.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-menstrual-phases-linked-higher-alcohol.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Understanding Dementia Risk: Why Lifestyle Factors Are Only Part of the Story
Understanding dementia risk requires recognizing the complex social, genetic, and lifestyle factors involved. Overemphasizing individual behaviors can lead to stigma and health disparities. Learn how a social, inclusive approach fosters better prevention and support.
FDA Approves Injectable Leqembi for Early Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
The FDA has approved Leqembi Iqlik, a new subcutaneous injectable for early Alzheimer's disease, offering a faster, more convenient treatment option for patients after initial IV therapy.
Pharmacists Prepare for Potential Impact of Targeted Trump Pharmaceutical Tariffs
Pharmacists are stockpiling essential medicines amid fears that tariffs proposed by President Trump could lead to drug shortages, higher prices, and pharmacy closures. Experts warn of potential disruptions in the pharmaceutical supply chain and increased costs for consumers.
New Research Reveals the Timeline of DNA Damage in Multiple Myeloma Development
Recent research uncovers the timeline of DNA damage events in multiple myeloma, revealing they can occur decades before diagnosis, offering prospects for early detection and personalized treatment.