UK Studies Hormones and Gambling Addiction in Women

«BBC»report that the UK gambling harms charity Gordon Moody and the University of Birmingham have launched a joint study on how hormonal fluctuations affect gambling addiction in women. The research will take approximately four years.

Objectives of the Study

The researchers will examine the impact of menstruation, ovulation, menopause, and childbirth on the development of gambling addiction. The study will also evaluate the effectiveness of hormonal treatments in addressing gambling problems in women.

Women’s Behavior During Different Cycle Phases

According to the clinical director of Gordon Moody, women are more likely to engage in risky behavior during ovulation and the week before menstruation. A drop in progesterone levels before menstruation can reduce impulse control, increasing the urge to gamble.

Personal Experiences

For example, Kiki Marriott reports that her gambling worsened at specific points in her cycle. She skipped food shopping and didn’t pay for gas, but kept electricity and internet so she could gamble online. Kiki notes that her impulsive decisions became especially risky in the week before her period.

A similar experience comes from Abbie Harvey, who found her gambling urges intensified before and during menstruation, often forcing her to make frequent stops while driving just to place bets on her phone.

Rehabilitation Centers and Support

Both women received treatment at the Parkland Place Rehabilitation Centre in North Wales. The centre’s manager, Cheryl Williams, notes that staff take menstrual cycle effects into account when supporting female patients.

Run by the charity Adferiad, the centre provides treatment for gambling, alcohol, and drug addictions through group sessions and one-on-one counseling. Despite being mixed-gender, only about a quarter of patients are women, partly due to childcare responsibilities and social expectations.

Medical Perspective on Hormones and Gambling

Clinical director of Gordon Moody, Dr Rosalind Baker-Frampton, explains that women are more prone to harmful gambling behavior during hormonal fluctuations. Risky behavior is particularly heightened during ovulation and before menstruation, manifesting in higher stakes, chasing losses, and longer gambling sessions.

The study will also investigate whether hormonal treatments or hormone replacement therapy can reduce severe gambling urges in women by stabilizing hormone levels.

Support Strategies and Recommendations

Women in therapy are learning to identify triggers and use support strategies, including peer groups and individual tools, to manage risky gambling behaviors during critical points in their cycle.

Regulator Support

The UK regulator that licenses and oversees commercial gambling has welcomed the study, highlighting the importance of such research for improving gambling safety and protecting users.