Smoking and endo

[ap2014]

This is a bit random, but ages ago I remember reading or being told by a doctor that smoking is about the only thing that seems vaguely protective against endo i.e. smokers are less likely to have it. Now I have a colleague who smokes and has endo, but was wondering how many of you also smoke/have ever smoked?

[Impatient]

Yes nicotine is an aromatase inhibitor, but smoking is so darned expensive as a source of treatment.

I do smoke, have done nearly 25 years, and only now is it beginning to have an impact as I have now got COPD in one lung, but it isn't severe...yet.

And I didn't start smoking till my mid 20s, but the endo symptoms were there from my 1st periods.

It's certainly not prevented me ending up with stage 4 endo, 5 endometriomas and a laparotomy etc.

Perhaps it has kept the pain from being worse than it would ordinarily have been, I can only guess that it might have, but it sure didn't stop the damage.

And I am an addict, and though I dearly would want smoking to be a much cheaper habit, and i enjoy smoking because I have diddly squiddly other pleasures in life, I certainly wouldn't recommend it as a life style choice or medication choice for so many reasons.

I'm not the only other confessed smoker on the forum, there are a few of us.

[sbactive]

Hi good morning...

Yes, I used to smoke, socially and I must say I found myself smoking more and more, similar to impatient, it's the only vice I can have!!! I also have ulcerative colitis so it helps with that too. But... The rubbish in cigs and the pitfalls of it are too high to use as a treatment, I got myself a good ecigarette, that I can refill with flavoured 'tobacco' and it only contains the nicotine. I have rather a pretty mother of pearl looking and silver one. Currently rocking mango 18mg nicotine and it's pretty close to a cigarette in the hit you get. And far healthier, supposedly, remember these have not been around long so they do not know the repercussions, but has to be better than a Marlboro light!! Plus you don't have to go outside, my non smoking friends actually like the smell of it. It's like smoking a hookah pipe.

Hope that helps, not sure if it helps the endo but it gives me some pleasure!

Steph

[Scooteeder]

Couldn't help but spot this post... Talk about IRONY!

It tickles me immensely to think that a Doctor would be so stupid as to point out that SMOKING is something that seems to reduce the possibility of having Endo. The reason why it amuses me? Because this is yet another idiotic comment made by a so-called "medical professional" that I can add to my growing list of idiotic comments! (These include... "Endo is cured by pregnancy"; "you can't have Endo after the menopause"; "Endo is just normal period pains"; "teenagers are too young to get Endo"; "the symptoms are all in your head"; it's just stress/depression/anxiety"... SHEER DRIVEL - EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM!).

Has it ever crossed your Doctor's mind that the idea is not to promote smoking, but to encourage patients to quit? I was lead to believe that the NHS backed anti-smoking campaigns - clearly, I was mistaken! Still, it does seem more than a little ridiculous to hear that a "medical professional" (I use inverted commas to show that I believe this Doctor to be anything but professional) would tell a patient that an UNHEALTHY HABIT could prevent illness... So, you smoke (and maybe it stops you getting Endo; maybe not) - BUT, instead you increase your risk of CANCER, EMPHYSEMA, COPD, ASTHMA, HALITOSIS, VASCULAR DISEASE, HEART DISEASE... Erm? Anyone thinking this DOES NOT MAKE SENSE?!

By the way, I have Endo. Diagnosed in 2011. Noticeable symptoms started in 2002. I've had heavy, painful and problem periods since being a teenager (in the 1980s). I've had FOUR laparoscopies so far, as well as trying the Pill, and Mirena. I have DEEP INFILTRATING ENDO (in Utero-Sacral Ligaments, and POD area). My last 2 surgeries included stenting due to possibility of Endo on bladder or bowel.

Just thought I might add... I used to smoke. I started aged 14/15 and smoked well into my mid 30s. I have now completely given up (quit about 8-10 years ago).

I'm GLAD to have given up, as well... Because I also have Asthma, and Chronic Sinusitis!

Clearly, in my case, smoking DID NOT PREVENT ME HAVING ENDO. I reckon it's just another silly myth!

[ap2014 in reply to Scooteeder]

Sorry, it wasn't a doctor, I've remembered now, but my own online research just after I was diagnosed in 2003. And there is quite a bit online as apparently smoking reduces oestrogen levels. Definitely not an either/or thing with smoking and Endo though. Luckily the only dr I've talked about Endo with is my consultant who is well up on what's a myth.

[ap2014 in reply to Scooteeder]

Ps well done on giving up. My dad struggled so badly to give up after 40 years of smoking, and then was diagnosed with lung cancer after all of that

[Jaypalf]

Just spotted your reply to this post in my news feed, Scooteeder. I've not read all of it yet but I jumped on board and had to reply at "endo is cured by pregnancy" I LITERALLY got told this two days ago at my consultant appt. "Medical professionals" are full of absolute crap, it seems like a complete postcode lottery with the NHS as to whether you get somebody who is actually competent or not. The bigger slap in the face also is that when I said "well, I don't want my own kids and never have done" I got laughed at and she said "oh, you will change your mind!" UM WHAT? Still fuming.

Anyway, sorry to hijack. Had to vent!!!x

[ap2014 in reply to Jaypalf]

I find it hard to believe (but I do) that any dr who is experienced enough to be a consultant could possibly believe that. Wow. It's a very outdated myth. Sounds like a change of consultant could be a wonderful thing for you if that's indicative of her knowledge.