Women Smokers Less Successful than Men when Trying to Quit

Tuesday, December 31, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Women smokers may face greater challenges than men when they try to quit. The January issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource shares some interesting comparisons between men and women who smoke.

A review of several studies published in CNS Drugs in 2001 found that women tend to be less successful in quitting than men, even though they may be at greater risk of some smoking-related illnesses such as lung cancer. In fact, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease among women.

Other comparisons between men and women who smoke include:

* Women smokers are more fearful of weight gain than men.

* Nicotine withdrawal symptoms may vary at different times during the menstrual cycle.

* Responses to medications used to stop smoking can vary during the menstrual cycle.

Women may be more susceptible than men to environmental cues to smoking, such as being with friends or being in certain moods.

Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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