As we get older, our bodies undergo significant hormonal changes. For both men and women, these transitions can be challenging.
Smoking can have profoundly detrimental on these hormonal changes. In this blog, I explain five ways that smoking impacts hormones in midlife.
1. Smoking can disrupt sex hormone balance
In women, smoking can reduce levels of oestrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and menopause. For men, smoking can lower testosterone levels.
These imbalances can lead to various health issues including irregular periods and fertility problems in women, and reduced muscle mass, bone density, and libido in both sexes.
2. Smoking causes adrenal stress
Smoking triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, mood swings, and overall stress levels for both men and women.
These hormones can also exacerbate the sex hormonal imbalances mentioned above.
3. Smoking can cause thyroid dysfunction
The thyroid is the gland responsible for regulating metabolism.
In midlife, when metabolism naturally slows down, smoking can damage the thyroid gland and thus worsen this effect.
A malfunctioning thyroid can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and mood disturbances.
4. Smoking can exacerbate bone density loss occurring in midlife
In particular for women experiencing perimenopause, but also for men in midlife, maintaining bone health is crucial. Smoking impairs the body's ability to absorb calcium and can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in both genders.
5. Smoking is linked to hormonal cancers
Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of certain hormonal cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
The hormonal imbalances caused by smoking can contribute to the development of these cancers, making it especially important to quit in midlife.
In conclusion
OK, I know it's not easy to quit smoking - nicotine is a highly addictive substance - but arming yourself with these facts and being as informed as you can be is a crucial first step.
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