Warning - Women Who Smoke Are At Risk Of Ovarian Failure And Premature Menopause

According to the Public Health Ministry, women who smoke are at risk of ovarian failure and premature menopause. Permanent Secretary Dr Prat Boonyavongvirot said on World Menopause Day that there were currently 7 million Thai women going through menopause, which he said occurred on average at age 48. However, some 300,000 Thai female smokers may have their last period earlier than their peers because smoking causes blood vessels to solidify and deliver less blood to the organs, including the ovaries, which may fail and produce much less estrogen, prompting early menopause. He also said that the ministry plans menopause clinics with trained personnel in all hospitals by 2011 to reduce chronic health problems among elderly women.

Health Department Chief Dr Narongsak Unkasuwapala stressed that menopause was usually a natural process, not a disease, involving the ovaries ceased estrogen production, leading to the absence of monthly menstrual periods. The resulting hormonal fluctuation brings on hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, depression, headaches, joint pains, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, frequent urination, dry skin and hair loss, he also added that long term menopausal women were more at risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer, cervical cancer and abdominal obesity, the last of which could lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and paralysis.

National Statistics Office reported in 2006 that only 30 percent of women with menopause used the menopause clinics' services, which Narongsak indicate a need to promote public understanding of menopause and menopause clinics. He said menopause symptoms might not occur in all women but when it did, they and their families might not understand, which could lead to family problems.