However, basic research is still needed on the general effects of the stages and gender, as well as how they manifest in nicotine cessation. There may be an increased biological sensitivity to nicotine in women who smoke into adulthood. Menstruating women may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms from nicotine during the premenopausal phase of their cycles, suggesting that women may need extra support to be successful during this time.
Social support seems to be particularly important for women.
Health visits during pregnancy have received particular attention as opportunities for smoking cessation counseling. Interventions delivered at such times, including in the context of programs targeting multi-ethnic populations attending public health clinics, have been found to be effective in improving cessation rates. Even minimal interventions involving generalizable and relatively inexpensive self-help materials tailored to pregnant women in a single brief session have proved successful. Ways to assist women in remaining abstinent post partum need to be developed. The most exciting recent advance in smoking treatment has been the development of pharmacological adjuncts available by prescription.