On one hand, smoking can worsen symptoms related tohypothyroidismandHashimoto’s disease.
But it can also increase the risk of developing disorders likeGrave’s diseasein the first place.
One of the components of tobacco is cyanide which, when smoked, is converted to the chemical thiocyanate.
Laura Porter / Verywell
With that being said, the impact of thiocyanate on the thyroid gland is mediated by nicotine in cigarettes.
This includes the United States where the average daily intake is twice the recommended limit.
Younger women tended to have diffuse thyroid enlargement, while older people typically had multinodular goiters.
For unknown reasons, smoking doesn’t appear to be associated with a solitary thyroid nodule.
The risk of smoking-induced goiter is believed to be highest in populations with an iodine deficiency.
Graves' ophthalmopathy can appear for the first time after RAI treatment in smokers.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid canceris today the eighth most common cancer in women.
It is possible that smoking may have a greater impact on a developing thyroid tumor than an existing one.
Unfortunately, little is known about the impact of these options on the thyroid.
Compared to tobacco and even cannabis, scientists know far less about the effects of vaping on thyroid function.
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy, using the druglevothyroxine, also appears to minimize symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
A Word From Verywell
Whatever perceived benefits cigarettes offer pales in comparison to the benefits of stopping.
Most insurance plans today offer freesmoking cessationtreatment as part of their annual benefits.
If you have trouble kicking the habit, speak with your healthcare provider about pharmaceutical options that may help.
