Women Smoking Cigarettes at High Risk of Premature Menopause

Studies show that women who smoke are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature menopause compared to non-smokers. The risk increases based on factors such as the age smoking begins, the number of cigarettes smoked daily, and the duration of smoking. Toxins released from smoking are particularly harmful to the ovaries, reducing the number of eggs and disrupting hormone regulation.

Dr. Kiran Coelho, head of the obstetric and gynecology department at Lilavati Hospital, explains that smoking-induced estrogen deficiency can lead to long-term health issues such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases (like stroke and heart attack), joint pain, and cognitive disorders like dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases.

Impact on Fertility and Health

Premature menopause significantly reduces fertility, making pregnancy planning crucial to avoid complications. Women facing low fertility might have to resort to assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and IUI. The symptoms of menopause, exacerbated by smoking, include:

• Low estrogen levels

• Hot flashes

• Irritability

• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

• Hair thinning and loss

• Sensitive, dry skin

• Mood swings

• Vaginal dryness, discomfort, and itching

• Breast tenderness

• Night sweats

• Irregular periods

The Role of Smoking in Premature Menopause

The toxins in cigarettes are detrimental to ovarian health, leading to an earlier onset of menopause in smokers. These toxins reduce the egg count and interfere with reproductive hormones. The risk is higher for women who start smoking early, smoke more cigarettes daily, and continue smoking for a long duration.

Reversing the Damage

The silver lining is that quitting smoking can mitigate and even reverse the harmful effects on the ovaries, potentially delaying menopause to the typical age of around 45.