The influence of smoking and cessation on the human reproductive hormonal balance.

摘要

Smoking is the most widespread substance dependence in theworld. Nicotine and some other components of the cigarettesmoke cause various endocrine imbalances, and have negativeeffects on pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, testicular and ovarianfunctions. Here, we examined studies that describe the influenceof smoking and smoking cessation on the male and femalereproductive systems. We also focused on studies providingan account of differences in cessation success rates betweenmen and women. In men, the most common effects associatedwith smoking are erectile dysfunction and decreasingspermiogram quality. Several groups have studied the effects ofcigarette smoking on testosterone levels in men. However, theresults have been conflicting. In women, nicotine has an antiestrogeneffect and increases the ratio of androgens to estrogensthroughout life. Beside nicotine, other cigarette toxins also causedysregulation of reproductive and hormonal system, andessentially influence the probability of a successful pregnancy notonly in cases of assisted reproduction but also in healthy women.Tobacco addiction is one of the forms of addiction that aregenerally thought to be different for men and for women.Women are less successful than men in quitting smoking, andnicotine replacement therapy is less effective in female smokers.We also summarize recent studies that have indicated possiblereasons.