Survey study, 2021
Does secondhand tobacco smoke exposure affect the menstrual cycle and premenstrual symptoms?
Yes. Women exposed to tobacco smoke had significantly more menstrual problems and more severe premenstrual and menstrual symptoms compared to those with no exposure. Past exposure during childhood or adolescence appeared especially harmful.
What they did
Cross-sectional study in Japan. Researchers analyzed 3,935 women aged 20-44 grouped by smoking status and history of secondhand smoke exposure. Participants completed questionnaires about menstrual cycle abnormalities and menstrual symptoms experienced in the past 3 months using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire.
What they found
Current smokers had 1.74 times higher risk of abnormal menstrual cycle compared to women with no tobacco exposure. Women with past secondhand smoke exposure had 1.70 times higher risk. Both current smokers and those with past secondhand exposure reported significantly more severe premenstrual and menstrual symptoms than unexposed women.
What it means for you
Past and current tobacco exposure is linked to worse menstrual health and more severe symptoms. The study suggests past exposure during childhood or adolescence might harm reproductive health in adulthood. This is observational, so it cannot prove tobacco causes these problems.
3,935
women analyzed
1.74
times higher risk of abnormal cycle (current smokers)
1.70
times higher risk (past secondhand exposure)
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of past environmental tobacco smoke exposure on the menstrual cycle and menstrual phase-related symptoms: A cross-sectional study
- Authors
- Sakai H, Ohashi K
- Journal
- The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 1,196
- What was tested
- None (observational study examining natural exposure)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/jog.14496
Topics
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