As stated by Dr Geneviève Plu ‑ Bureau, hospital practitioner in endocrinology gynecology: “Smokers are indeed menopausal one to two years earlier”. Smoking causes vascular changes, especially on the uterine arteries. “Many hypotheses have been put forward, notes the practitioner. It would modify the blood flow and the plasticity of arteries, promoting the formation of atheromatous plaques, for example “.
Furthermore, smoking is associated with a decrease in the density of the bones of the spine and hips, further aggravating the risks of osteoporosis linked to menopause. At the time of menopause, it changes the metabolism ofestradiol (main estrogenic hormone) and has an anti-estrogen effect.
Never too late to quit
The nicotine substitutes such as nicotine transdermal patches, chewing gums or even sublingual lozenges, used over short periods, help to reduce physical symptoms (insomnia, difficulty concentrating, irritability) during the first few days when theaddiction is high.
As for psychological (“smoking is pleasant, calms me, keeps me awake”) and behavioral (smoking is inseparable from coffee, a night out with friends, traffic jams …), they can only be overcome by new ones lifestyle habits that it is necessary to gradually put in place: reduce all the occasions that call for cigarette and replace it with new behaviors, learn to manage stress differently and have fun differently, rearrange your interior to concretely materialize your now non-smoking space, etc.
To rediscover the pleasure of flavors, it is possible to add essential oils in sauces by diluting two or three drops in water beforehand. Anything that enhances the perceptions that we find then allow you to forge new habits, and the health benefits are not made wait for the last cigarette extinguished.
To find out about the centers specializing in tobacco science: tabac-info-service.fr Phone. 39 89, Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (€ 0.15 / min).
Did you know ?
- 20 minutes : blood pressure and heartbeat heart return to normal.
- 48 hours : the body no longer contains nicotine, the’smell and the taste are improving.
- 72 hours : the bronchi begin to relax and breathing is easier.
- 2 to 12 weeks : blood circulation improves.
- 3 to 9 months : the voice is clearer, the functioning of lungs increases by 10%.
- 5 years : the risk of heart attack is half that of a smoker.
- 10 years : the risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker.
Read also :
Menopause: quitting smoking to prevent hot flashes
Early menopause: tobacco partly responsible
Genetic variations and tobacco modify the age of menopause
