Using hormone therapy to help new mothers avoid smoking relapse

Modifying Progesterone and Estradiol Levels to Prevent Postpartum Cigarette Smoking Relapse and Reduce Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Infants and Children

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10861712

This study is looking at how giving new moms a hormone called progesterone might help them avoid smoking again after having a baby, making it easier for them to stay smoke-free and protect their little ones from secondhand smoke.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10861712 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how modifying hormone levels, specifically progesterone and estradiol, can help prevent new mothers from relapsing into cigarette smoking after childbirth. The study aims to deliver progesterone to postpartum women to reduce cravings and improve smoking abstinence rates. By understanding the hormonal influences on addictive behaviors, the research seeks to provide a safe intervention that could benefit both mothers and their children by reducing secondhand smoke exposure. Participants will be monitored for their smoking habits and health outcomes over a period of time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postpartum women who have previously quit smoking during pregnancy but are at risk of relapse.

Not a fit: Patients who are not postpartum or who have never smoked may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce smoking relapse rates in postpartum women, leading to better health outcomes for both mothers and their infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with hormone therapies in reducing smoking relapse, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.