Smoking reduces success of osteoporosis treatment

Older women who smoke have a lower chance of being successfully treated for osteoporosis, says research published in Osteoporosis International.

Experts examined 97 postmenopausal women with primary osteoporosis, who took supplements of calcium and vitamin D, and adhered to their three-year bisphosphonate treatment (for osteoporosis).

 Bone mineral density was assessed by X-ray and fractures by radiographs.

The bisphosphonate treatment failed in 25.8% of women and was not related to age, body mass index, years since menopause, family history of hip fracture, number of falls or the type of bisphosphonate used.

But women with high levels of bone turnover – and those who smoked – were significantly less likely to respond positively to bisphosphonate treatment.

“Heavy smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis and tobacco lowers the oestrogen level in women and may cause early menopause,” says a spokesperson from Arthritis Research UK. “In men, smoking lowers testosterone activity, and this can also weaken the bones. We strongly recommend that people stop smoking – especially if they are at risk for other reasons.”