Study: Menstrual cycle affects cocaine addiction risk

Regardless of the type of access provided to the rats, cocaine seeking was higher in female rats than male rats. "In female rats, the magnitude of cocaine craving was critically dependent on the phase of the oestrous cycle, demonstrating a novel role of ovarian hormones in incubation of cocaine craving," said Ikemoto.

Previous studies in humans suggest that women relapse faster after quitting cocaine and have stronger craving than men. The new findings reveal that the oestrous cycle may contribute to these differences between women and men and highlight a potential target to help prevent relapse in women.

source: timesnownews.com

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