It’s true. After 35 years, smoking – especially more than 15 cigarettes per day – is a serious health risk for all women in general. The substances that are inhaled along with the tobacco smoke can damage cell repair mechanisms, opening up the possibility of pro-inflammatory changes that can cause serious diseases. Additionally, smoking causes premature aging of the skin, which loses its elasticity and looks dull and dehydrated.
All COCs are not recommended in women smokers who are over 35 years of age due to the increased risk of thromboembolism. Alternatively you can use hormonal contraceptives without estrogen (progestogen-only pill, implant and IUD) if you limit smoking. If you really don’t want to give it up, then it’s better to think about a non-hormonal method.
