Smoking decreases blood flow in the small vessels of the skin, perhaps damaging skin components, and leading to skin wrinkling and an appearance of premature aging in both men and women. Some adverse outcomes of smoking are unique to women. Evidence for the causal role of smoking in cancer of the cervix is now quite strong. Numerous studies indicate that smoking increases the risk of developing this cancer, when other important risk factors are taken into account. In addition, components of tobacco smoke have been found in the cervical secretions of smokers.
Natural menopause occurs earlier in smokers than in nonsmokers by one to two years.
There is some evidence that smoking is associated with an increased risk of menstrual disorders. Fertility may also be impaired in women who smoke compared with nonsmoking women. Smoking and the use of oral contraceptives is a dangerous combination, which increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other vascular complications. These cigarettes, as measured by machines, may have less tar and nicotine than regular cigarettes. However, exposure to the dangerous substances in tobacco smoke is determined more by the way the smoker smokes than by the brand smoked.