Modern science is discovering that a woman's menstrual cycle has a profound influence on her well-being, and can even be used to help her stop smoking.

A new study published in the Biology of Sex suggests that the reason women have a harder time stopping smoking than men do is because they often try to give it up at the wrong time of the month.

Researchers found that from day one until ovulation, when levels of the hormone progesterone are low, women are apt to have heightened brain activity that stimulates the desire for reward. Therefore, cigarette cravings increase. That may also be why quitters relapse more often during that time.

But in the days after ovulation until the next period, it appears women may be more likely to quit smoking successfully; higher progesterone levels may reduce cravings.

So if you're a woman and you are struggling to quit smoking, this is one more trick to try. The important thing is that you stop smoking.