Smoking And Women’s Health: Why You Need To Drop The Habit Now?

If you’re a woman who smokes, your intense cigarette cravings might be rooted in the concept of biology. A study published by BMJ Journals(1) reveals that the acute desire to smoke is more prominent in females than males. Smoking also impacts the female body in unique ways.

All this means that you need to drop the habit of smoking if you want to stay in the best of health. Read on to learn more about the negative effects of smoking on women’s health—and how you can quit effectively.

How Smoking Impacts Women’s Health

It affects the reproductive system

Periods are exasperating enough without adding any more issues. Unfortunately, smoking has aggravating consequences for periods: women who smoke are more likely to have irregular or painful periods. The chemicals in cigarettes can also make their way to your cervix. According to Medical News Today(2), women smokers are 2-3 times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer.

It causes hormonal issues

In women, smoking leads to higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of estradiol. This increases one’s risk of developing breast cancer, diabetes, and heart ailments, especially in older women. The high cortisol levels smoking causes further aggravates this by destabilizing your blood sugar and spurring the overproduction of androgens, hormones that cause the development of male characteristics.

How To Quit Smoking?

Leverage NRT products

If you’re alarmed by the impact of smoking on your body, you might be thinking of quitting cold turkey. However, the Truth Initiative article “Read This Before Trying to Quit Smoking ‘Cold Turkey’” explains that this method has a low success rate. You’ll most likely relapse, which is especially dangerous for women—not getting it perfect can spur frustration and stress, which triggers the urge to smoke even further and creates an unhealthy cycle.

Instead, try nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This involves using alternative nicotine products to relieve withdrawal symptoms while circumnavigating smoking’s negative effects. Two products you can consider are nicotine pouches and patches. Nicotine pouches are placed between your gum and upper lip for nicotine absorption. The non-tobacco Velo nicotine pouches listed on Prilla(3) are made from fibers derived from eucalyptus and pine, and they contain pH adjusters that aid nicotine absorption. As they are tobacco-free, they won’t stain your teeth or give you bad breath, making them ideal for women who want a discreet smoking cessation product.

Another effective and discreet alternative is the nicotine patch. This adheres to the skin for nicotine absorption—all you have to do is put one on. The Nicoderm CQ(4) patch has clear backing that covers the nicotine and prevents its evaporation. It also uses extended-release technology, which means every patch releases a steady flow of nicotine within a 24-hour timeframe.

Work with your body

Most of the effects that come with smoking are reversible. However, your body is going to need time to readjust. During this recovery period, be mindful of the state of your health and find ways to help it recover. For example, the WebMD article “Why Cigarettes are a Woman’s Worst Enemy” reveals that smoking increases your chance of experiencing menstrual cramps by 50%. To combat this, our article ‘Best Period Comfort Foods: What Should You Eat and Avoid During Your Period’ recommends consuming certain foods to ease your symptoms. In particular, dark chocolate and bananas contain nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium that can relax the muscles and reduce cramp pain.

Exercising regularly can also help with smoking cessation by dampening withdrawal symptoms and cravings—and helping you deal with the weight gain that comes with quitting smoking. You can even use funds previously allocated for cigarettes to purchase things like gym memberships and yoga classes. However, make sure you don’t over-stress your body. You can start slow with activities like half-hour walks or short swims.

Finally, work with your body’s natural rhythm. Right before your period, the hormones present in your body will cause your withdrawal symptoms to intensify. To improve your chances of successfully quitting smoking, it’s thus best to start your cessation journey as far as 15 days before or after your period occurs.

Many women use smoking as a coping mechanism. However, stacked against the harm it does to your body, it’s simply not worth it. Follow these tips to kick this bad habit once and for all.