The menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception and alcohol use across a single cycle

Warren, Jasmine G. and Fallon, Victoria M. and Goodwin, Laura and Gage, Suzanne H. and Rose, Abigail K. (2025) The menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception and alcohol use across a single cycle. Addiction Research and Theory. ISSN 1606-6359

Abstract

Objective Existing literature suggests an association between menstrual cycle and alcohol use. The present study investigated the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and hormonal contraception (naturally cycling [NC] and hormonal contraceptive [HC]) and alcohol use, while considering potentially influencing variables using multiple assessments over one cycle. Methods 50 females (32 NC and 18 HC) completed a series of online questionnaires over one menstrual cycle. Results We found that HC users craved and consumed more alcohol than NC participants. Menstrual cycle phase predicted levels of craving for the NC group. For the NC group, baseline units, craving, and mood predicted consumption; and the predictors of craving were baseline units, mood, phase, and relationship status. In the HC group, there were no predictors of consumption, but craving was predicted by: baseline units, mood, and impulsivity. There were no differences in drinking motives by group or phase. Conclusions HC may affect drinking behavior whereas the effect of menstrual phase remains unclear. This has implications for HC use and menstrual awareness for health practices, e.g. for those with alcohol use disorders. Importantly, this study suggests the future direction of research into the topic such as additional methods to explore the association as well how to investigate underlying mechanisms.