A new study suggests ovarian hormone fluctuations may contribute to alcohol craving and drinking.
Women may crave and drink more alcohol during certain times of their menstrual cycle, a new study suggests.
Researchers say fluctuations in ovarian hormone levels may also impact the risk for binge-drinking.
Their preliminary study included 61 young women who provided daily alcohol reports, as well as saliva samples for hormone analyses and urine samples for urinary ovulation tests.
Overall, the results showed alcohol intake and the urge to drink increased during the late follicular phase, which immediately precedes ovulation. This is when estrogen levels are high and progesterone levels are low.
Increases in estrogen can alter dopamine activity in the brain, creating feelings of pleasure and reinforcing behavior, according to one researcher.
She says, “If women were aware of risky periods for drinking and alcohol craving… they may be able to take precautions to reduce their drinking.”
She says it’s also possible hormone-stabilizing medications may aid in the treatment of alcohol use disorders in women.
Source: Research Society on Alcoholism
Author Affiliations: University of Kentucky
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