- By Prerna Targhotra
- Fri, 31 May 2024 03:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
World No Tobacco Day 2024: 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 the menstrual cycle stops before the age of 45 then it can be classified as premature menopause. Almost 5% to 10% 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. However, it cannot be denied that the lifespan of women decreases over time with premature menopause.
Smoking And Risk Of Early Menopause
Dr. Kiran Coelho, Head of the Obstetric and Gynaecologist, Lilavati Hospital said that ‘‘oestrogen 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.’’
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The symptoms experienced during menopause:
• Low oestrogen 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.
Smoking And Early Menopause Risk (Image Credits: Canva)
How Does Cigarette Smoking Cause Premature Menopause?
Dr Kiran Added, ‘‘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 also 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.’’
Dr Pooja Madhav Gupta, Gynecologist, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, ''Smoking is injurious, and it kills. Still, a large number of people smoke. This habit not only causes cardiac problems such as heart attacks or lung cancer but even premature menopause in women. According to studies, women who smoke may experience menopause at an earlier age when compared to those who don’t smoke.”
“Cigarettes are loaded with harmful chemicals that negatively impact one’s ovarian function, causing depletion of egg reserve and hormonal imbalance. As a result, women who smoke tend to exhibit various signs and symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings at a younger age of 40-45. It is the need of the hour to create awareness regarding smoking and premature menopause risk and improve one’s well-being.''
