How contraceptive hormones affect nicotine addiction in women

Contraceptive hormone impacts on the primary reinforcing and reward-enhancing effects of nicotine

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11115663

This study is looking at how birth control hormones might make women more likely to become addicted to nicotine, helping us understand why some women smoke more and struggle to quit, so we can find better ways to support them in overcoming nicotine addiction.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lincoln, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115663 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between contraceptive hormones and nicotine addiction, particularly focusing on how these hormones may increase vulnerability to nicotine use among women. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which hormonal contraceptives influence nicotine's rewarding effects and contribute to higher smoking rates and relapse among female smokers. By examining both biological and environmental factors, the research seeks to uncover insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for nicotine addiction in women.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premenopausal women who smoke or are at risk of nicotine addiction and use hormonal contraceptives.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use hormonal contraceptives or are not female may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating nicotine addiction in women, potentially reducing smoking-related health risks.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific interaction between contraceptive hormones and nicotine addiction is less explored, related research has shown that hormonal factors can influence addiction behaviors, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Lincoln, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorderCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.