The relationship between alcohol consumption and menstrual cycle: a review of the literature.

Title
The relationship between alcohol consumption and menstrual cycle: a review of the literature.
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2015
Journal
Arch Womens Ment Health
Volume
18
Issue
6
Pagination
773-81
Date published
2015 Dec
ISSN
1435-1102
Abstract

Alcohol use affects men and women differently, with women being more affected by the health effects of alcohol use (NIAAA, 2011). Yet, a dearth of information investigating the alcohol use in women exists (SAMSHA, 2011). In particular, one dispositional factor hypothesized to contribute to alcohol consumption in women is the menstrual cycle. However, only 13 empirical papers have considered the menstrual cycle as related to alcohol consumption in women. These studies fall out with somewhat mixed findings suggesting that the premenstrual week is associated with increased, decreased, or no change in alcohol consumption, likely due to methodological differences in menstrual cycle determination and measures of alcohol consumption. These methodological differences and possible other contributing factors are discussed here with recommendations for future research in this area. Understanding the contribution of the menstrual cycle to alcohol consumption is one step in addressing an important women's health concern.