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You are Here: Home Page > > Osteoporosis Fact Sheets  

Osteoporosis Fact Sheets

The Effect of Cigarette Smoking on the Development of Osteoporosis

Approximately one in eight hip fractures in women is attributable to long-term cigarette use and it is a major risk factor for hip fracture in men. Fracture healing is also delayed among smokers.

The biological mechanism that results in greater bone loss among smokers is unclear. Although smokers are thinner and may tend to exercise less, females who smoke also experience an earlier menopause which results in a longer time period of bone loss. All of these factors are associated with lower bone density.

The effects of smoking on bone appear to be cumulative and currently cannot be detected until after menopause in women or after age 60 in men. Cigarette smoking also shows a dose-response relationship to bone health, with heavier smokers having lower bone density and a higher risk for fracture.

The age-related bone loss that occurs in both men and women in their 50s also appear to be accelerated among smokers. Bone loss occurs rapidly in women at menopause when the bone protective hormone estrogen decreases rapidly. Smoking increases this process. Smoking will also decrease the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy.

Peak bone mass, defined as the maximum bone density (thickness) you will ever have is reached between 18 and 25 years of age. People who build larger and heavier bones are less likely to develop osteoporosis later in life. The positive choices made early in life (including a balanced diet with adequate calcium; maintenance of a healthy body weight; eating disorder prevention; regular exercise; and avoidance of alcohol and tobacco) will affect future bone health and wellness.

More research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of smoking on bone.

For more information about osteoporosis, please contact any one of the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP) regional resource centers:

• Western NY/Rochester Osteoporosis Resource Center, Buffalo -- (716) 862-BONE (2663)
• Hudson Valley Area: Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw -- (845) 786-4772
• Metro NY: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York -- (212) 606-1057
• Northeastern NY: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse -- 1-800-464-8668

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