Smoking’s Effect on the Menopause Clock

Smoking and early menopause are among the risk factors for osteoporosis and ischemic heart disease. In a cross-sectional study of more than 2000 women (age range, 59–61), Norwegian investigators examined the association between smoking and the timing of menopause. Participants reported age at menopause, demographic variables, and lifestyle factors such as coffee and alcohol consumption. Current and former smokers were categorized based on low, medium, or high estimated lifetime tobacco exposure (365–64,240; 64,241–158,775; or 158,776–657,000 cigarettes, respectively, corresponding to about 1–8.5; 8.6–21.75; and 21.76–90 pack-years, respectively). Passive smoking was defined as currently spending time in a room with smokers, childhood exposu…