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Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that are thought to influence thyroid function, leading to abnormalities of the thyroid gland. Smokers face an increased risk of Graves' disease, and other thyroid-related problems. The longer a person has smoked, the greater the risk for thyroid disease.
Smoking and Graves' Disease - A Personal Account
From Ronnie: "Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Graves disease. When I was diagnosed , the physicians told me to quit smoking so that my eyes would not get worse."
Your Thyroid Up in Smoke
From About.com Guide to Thyroid Disease, Mary Shomon: "Studies show that smokers are more likely to have thyroid enlargement, and it is possible that mild thyroid enlargement in smokers could be a sign of subtle thyroid disturbance."
About.com Thyroid Disease
Mary Shomon, Guide to the Thyroid Disease site here at About.com provides practical help and information on a variety of issues concerning thyroid disease.
How I Quit Smoking by Mary Shomon
About.com Guide to Thyroid Disease, Mary Shomon shares her quit smoking story: "All those years of smoking, I didn't realize that smoking can actually trigger or worsen thyroid problems. Just a short time after I quit, I was diagnosed as hypothyroid."
Graves' Disease from A.D,A.M.
Information about Graves' disease from A.D.A.M.
Hypothyroidism
Smoking is a risk factor for hypothyroidism. Information on hypothyroidism from A.D.A.M.
Smoking and Thyroid Disease - Explorations and Connections
From Mary Shomon: "Tobacco smoke contains substances that affect the function of the thyroid. One component of tobacco smoke is cyanide, which is converted to thiocyanate, which acts as an anti-thyroid agent, directly inhibiting iodide uptake and hormone synthesis."
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