Smoking

Smoking is known to have an adverse affect on bone health and results in a significant loss of bone mass (bone mineral density).

In addition women who continue to smoke and have established osteoporosis and are receiving specific therapies for osteoporosis, do not often gain the full benefits that these therapies would otherwise provide in improving bone mass.

The negative effects of smoking on bone mineral density can be partially reversed after smoking is stopped. This may reduce fracture risk.³³

Women who smoke throughout their premenopausal years, tend to have an earlier menopause by 1.5 to 2 years.

Resources for smoking cessation

Quit (smoking)	www.quit.org.au
Action on Smoking and Health Australia	www.ashaust.org.au
OxYgen (for young people)	www.oxygen.org.au
The National Tobacco Campaign	www.quitnow.info.au

Alcohol

Alcohol abuse is a known risk factor for osteoporosis.

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council defines low risk drinking for women as no more than two standard drinks per day and at least two alcohol free days per week. Alcohol in moderation does not increase the risk for osteoporosis.

Resources for alcohol management

Alcoholics Anonymous	www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.au
Al-anon (for friends and family of problem drinkers/alcoholics)	www.al-anon.org/australia
Australian Alcohol Guidelines	www.alcoholguidelines.gov.au

Content updated February 20, 2006