Researchers are investigating a potential link between hormonal fluctuations and gambling addiction severity, as evidence emerges from recovery centers and clinical observations that menstrual cycle variations may intensify problematic gambling behaviors. Two former gambling addicts interviewed described experiencing heightened urges to gamble in the days surrounding their menstrual cycles.
Abbie Harvey lost more than £20,000 over a decade of gambling addiction so severe that she could not drive for 20 minutes without pulling over to gamble. She reported that the urge became worse just before and during her period. Kiki Marriott noticed an increase in gambling during the week before her period and described a pattern where “impulsivity and compulsive behaviours are more likely to shine bright in the week before my period—and that’s when I’d make even worse decisions.”
Research and clinical observations
Both women received treatment at Parkland Place Rehabilitation Centre in north Wales, where clinical staff report observing that the menstrual cycle impacts gambling behaviors. Researchers at the University of Birmingham are collaborating with the Gordon Moody gambling harms charity to establish whether hormonal fluctuations caused by periods, ovulation, menopause, and childbirth correlate with gambling addiction.
Dr. Rosalind Baker-Frampton, clinical director of Gordon Moody, noted that “you’re more likely to engage in risky behaviours around the time of ovulation” and “before a women’s period, when she’s had a drop in progesterone.” These timing windows show increased chasing of losses, higher spending, and longer gambling sessions. The research project with the University of Birmingham is expected to take about four years to complete. Baker-Frampton added that “we have a theory that women who are on the pill or who are on hormone replacement therapy, because their hormones are at a more stable level throughout the month, may be less likely to experience these severe gambling cravings.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://us.headtopics.com/news/why-my-period-made-my-gambling-addiction-worse-78094734