Women recovering from gambling addiction have reported that certain phases of their menstrual cycle make it more challenging to manage their urges. New research aims to validate these experiences.
Kiki Marriott, who completed a residential treatment program for a 22-year gambling and substance addiction in 2024, discovered that her cravings for gambling peaked during specific times in her cycle. She shared with Gambling Insider that there were moments each month when her recovery felt particularly difficult. During these times, she often avoided attending meetings or support groups.
“I didn’t want to talk to anyone, and I felt moody and terrible. I was on the verge of gambling again several times, but I couldn’t understand why,” Marriott explained.
It wasn’t until a fellow participant in her women-focused support group mentioned her menstrual cycle that Marriott experienced a breakthrough. “A massive lightbulb went off,” she recalled.
Marriott admitted that after two decades of addiction, she was largely unaware of her own body and its cycles. “My cycle wasn’t something we discussed at home. I just dealt with it every month without understanding the implications,” she said.
She reflected on her lack of knowledge regarding hormonal changes and emotional fluctuations, which led her to believe she had various mental health issues. “I was simply reacting to the trauma I had endured. No one taught me how to manage my emotions or understand my nervous system,” she noted.
Upon entering recovery, Marriott often felt unstable during certain phases of her cycle, which made her fear a relapse. However, after recognizing the connection between her hormonal changes and her gambling urges, she took proactive steps to educate herself about her body. Now, at 40, she feels equipped to handle the challenges that come with her ovulation week, which she previously found most destabilizing.
A collaboration between the gambling harm charity Gordon Moody and the University of Birmingham is currently investigating the relationship between menstrual cycles and gambling-related harm. Their research aims to determine whether hormonal changes associated with menstruation, ovulation, menopause, and childbirth affect gambling behavior, impulsivity, and risk-taking.
Claire Snowden-Bird, Interim Clinical Director at Gordon Moody, emphasized the importance of this research. “We all know that cravings for certain foods, like chocolate, can vary throughout the month,” she stated during a virtual interview with Gambling Insider. Understanding the hormonal influences on women’s gambling behaviors could lead to more effective, gender-responsive treatment options for women facing gambling issues, as well as for those dealing with other behavioral or substance addictions.
“Women should be aware of these patterns, just as they recognize when they might feel irritable or crave unhealthy foods due to their cycle. This awareness can empower them to manage their gambling behavior more effectively,” she concluded.