Smoking & Thyroid

I quit smoking in February of 1998...almost 10 long years ago and still have those nicotine cravings. Anybody remember the Satin cigarettes? Boy, I miss those.

I smoked a pack a day for 20 years. I'm embarrassed to say I even smoked through my pregnancy, that's how addicted I was. (BTW - My daugher is healthy, beautiful and in college now.) I think I had a harder time quitting than the average Joe. I went to a Hypnotist, plunked down my $60, left and never smoked a cigarette again...but how I wanted one.. I chewed straws, leaned in close to anyone smoking to take a huge breath of the trailing smoke, I cried. I ended up depressed. If you've ever had the depersonalization, you know it is an awful feeling...one I never want to have again. I was on Paxil for about 6 to 9 months. I gained about 20 pounds during this time. The Paxil did help the depression, but not completely. I imagine I was already Hypothyroid at that time and that my body was crying out for Thyroid hormones and not an anti-depressant. I quit the Paxil cold-turkey , but do NOT recommend anyone else to do this. I seriously thought I was going crazy with the withdrawals.

Even 10 years after quitting, I still have those cravings. Last spring when I went thorough the ordeal with the Armour (taking it without dealing with the adrenal problems first) - I had severe cravings for a cigarette. I sure didn't want to start back up smoking...so instead I bought some herbal cigarettes. Still not good for you, but no nicotine. I buy the Smokin Joes from eBay dealer clovesmokes. The Smokin Joes are made in the USA and not in China like some of the herbals. I liked the Cherry flavor, but that has been discontinued. These are a strong herbal cigarette, but help to ease those cravings. You won't get addicted to these, I was smoking one or two a day or so till I got through my rough patch...now I smoke maybe 2 a month. My husband likes these too. I'm not suggesting you go out and buy a pack, but if you are considering starting up smoking regular nicotine cigarettes again - this is a better option.

Smoking seems to increase the chance of someone having thyroid problems. Quitting seems to sometimes bring out the Hypothyroid symptoms, perhaps because the nicotine masks the fatigue and weight gain that Hypothyroid patients often experience.

A good Smoking/Thyroid link