Women smoking cigarettes are at high risk of premature menopause; here’s why

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Menopause is a condition experienced by women from the age 40 to 55 where their menstrual cycles stop for at least 12 months. In certain cases, if a menstrual cycle stops before the age of 45 then it can be classified as premature menopause.

Almost 5 to 10 per cent of women in the world are prone to experience premature menopause. This can be caused due to various reasons such as genetics, certain lifestyle factors, and especially due to the correlation between cigarette smoking.

According to the studies, women who smoke cigarettes are at higher risk of developing premature menopause than others and the lifespan of these women decreases over time with premature menopause.

Dr Kiran Coelho, head of the obstetric and gynaecologist department, Lilavati Hospital shares key insights.

Besides estrogen deficiency can cause long-term effects such as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), chances of developing cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack, experiencing stubborn joint pain, and risk of getting affected with cognitive disorders like dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease increases with premature menopause.

The fertility rate decreases tremendously in women with premature menopause making it essential to plan pregnancy to avoid any further complications. In case of low fertility, it gets difficult to conceive. Which leaves no option other than choosing assisted reproductive technology like IVF and IUI.

The symptoms experienced during menopause:

Low estrogen formation in the ovaries
Hot flashes
Irritation
Sudden weight gain mostly around the abdominal area
Thinning of the hair and hair loss
The skin becomes sensitive and dry
Constant mood swings
Vaginal dryness which can discomfort and itching
Breast tenderness
Sweating excessively during the night
Irregular periods
The fertility rate decreases even before the preterm menopause.

How does cigarette smoking cause premature menopause?

It is crucial to understand that the toxins released during smoking are toxic and can be adversely harmful to the ovaries. These toxins eventually decrease the number of eggs available and interfere with the hormones that help regulate the reproductive system. As a result, women who smoke often experience menopause earlier than those who do not. The risk of developing premature menopause increases depending on certain factors like how early a woman starts smoking, how many cigarettes she smokes per day, and for how long she has been smoking. The more and longer a woman chooses to smoke, the higher the risk.

However, the good news is if the woman quits smoking early, she can reduce and even reverse the harmful effects on ovaries, which results in experiencing menopause at a typical age like 45 rather than prematurely.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.