Researchers from the University of Oslo in Norway recently published a study in the BMC Public Health online journal reporting that women who smoke cigarettes are more likely to experience early menopause (which also gives them an increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease).
The researchers studied over two thousand women between the ages of 59 and 60 and found that the women who smoke were 59 percent more likely than the non-smokers to undergo early menopause. This number nearly doubled for the heaviest smokers in the test group.
The new study reports that women who quit smoking at least ten years before menopause were 87 percent less likely than the current smokers to have experienced early menopause. The earlier women were able to quit the less chance they had of hitting menopause before age 45.
The team of researchers also found that those exposed to second-hand smoke on a regular basis may be at heightened risk of going through an earlier menopause. Widows and women who described themselves in poor health were more likely to experience premature menopause. Whereas, socially active and well-educated women usually did not hit menopause until later.
So what does experiencing early menopause mean to a woman who smokes? According to an article published in Main Line Health, women who smoke are at a greater risk of experiencing more intense symptoms of menopause than those who do not smoke.
The article also discusses fragile bone risk (osteoporosis) from early menopause. Dr Lisa Freedman writes, "If you are a woman who smokes than you are 35 percent more likely to break your hip after menopause than if you did not smoke."
What do you think of this new study linking early menopause to cigarette smoking?
Do you have a personal story about how you or a loved one was able to quit smoking?
If you are a smoker and would like help quitting you can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
I'm a former smoker (6 years Nov 5th!!!) but understand the discipline needed to quit. Smokiing is both emotional and physical, and it is an addiction.
Prayers for those who have or are going through life altering health issues. I'm hoping that as the years go by, I continue to dodge the disease that my Dad died from 22 years ago.
roxme1957::
on Nov 16, 2007
I went into menopause around age 46 which is early and I do smoke. If insurance pays for that Chantix maybe I will try that.
Pokupatel::
on Jan 18, 2008
I recently quit smoking (about 3 months ago). It's been remarkably easy (sorry, but it has). I smoked for about 10 years (I'm only 27 years old now) and I recently had my tonsils taken out. Since I couldn't smoke after the surgery, I decided to not smoke anymore. I had been wanting to quit for a long time and I figured "now or never". Now, I can't recommend a tonsillectomy for everyone, but it worked for me. And I'm glad it did. My grandmother smoked for a long time and had 2 heart attacks (the 2nd killed here) and my mom smokes and is having a really hard time with menopause. The best advice I can give is that you have to be READY to quit. You have to WANT to quit. I had tried before but it was too hard (that routine you get in gets you every time!) It took a surgery to get me to say "enough". Just keep trying to quit. You might be a very irritable person for awhile, but you'll be glad you did it. Nobody ever says,"Geez, I wish I had never quit smoking." Think about it.
harriette::
on Mar 10, 2008
I smoked for 53 years and quit one year ago. It isn't easy. I still want one after dinner! But, if that is what put me through menopause at age 49, thank you, I have felt wonderful ever since. I can't understand who wouldn't want to go through menopause early!
I stopped smoking 3 years ago - after trying for 30 years! I tell you, it's an ADDICTION, equal to HEROIN ADDICTION. So, we all need to stop beating ourselves and each other up about not being able to quit!
It took me every trick I could think of - all at once - to be able to stop! I used the Patch and Nicotine Anonymous, prayer, and tried to eat and exercise right. I also bought the movie, "The Insider", so I use my Anger appropriately - at the drug pushers who lied about cigarettes being addictive and conspired to keep everyone addicted!
As to menopause, I wish it would have made me do that earlier! Menopause is a blessing! I suffer with less breathing ability which is part of what motivated me to finally quit. You just can't exercise well to control weight if you can't breathe!
Good luck to all who want to stop smoking! I think it's worth the effort.
it took me 6 yrs and not til i got pregnant to quit. i am now 6 months pregnant and still off cigarettes but i'm not sure if im going to start once the baby is born. i dont really crave them now but i wonder if i will once i know there's no baby inside my belly!! it truly is very difficult. good luck to everyone!
