Cigarette smoking damages women's reproductive life.

Female smokers experienced menopause significantly (P <or= 0.000001) earlier than non-smokers (47.1 +/- 3.3 versus 49.4 +/- 3.6 years, mean age at menopause +/- SD) and the prevalence of cigarette smoking is more frequent in females with ovarian failure before 46 years of age. These data are consistent with a possible detrimental effect of cigarette smoking on ovarian function and suggest new investigations are needed in this field. Detailed information about this important negative effect is strongly recommended, particularly for female smokers of reproductive age.