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I’m a 40-year-old woman. How can I quit smoking safely?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 40-year-old woman and have been smoking for nearly 20 years. I have tried quitting several times, but I usually slip back whenever I am stressed. I recently came across an advertisement for a quit-smoking program and wanted to know if these programs actually help.

  1. Are nicotine patches or prescription medicines safe for women?
  2. And if I manage to quit, will it really improve things like my skin, fertility, and menstrual cycles?

Please help.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Quitting smoking is tough, and it is completely normal to slip when stress builds up. Many people go through the same cycle. But yes, quit-smoking programs genuinely help, especially the ones that mix counseling, coping strategies, and medical support. Nicotine patches, gums, and lozenges are usually safe for women, and medicines like Varenicline or Bupropion can also be used with a doctor’s supervision.

You will see real changes once you quit. Your skin starts looking healthier, your circulation improves, and fertility gets a boost. Periods often become more regular and less painful, and overall, your body begins healing, from your lungs to your heart and even your hormone balance.

Most women do best when they combine medication with emotional and practical support. Quit-lines, group sessions, and regular follow-ups help a lot, especially on tough days. And simple tools can make cravings more manageable:

  1. When you feel the urge, wait five to ten minutes. Most cravings peak and fade.

  2. Try to distract yourself. Sip water, chew gum, step outside, message a friend, just shift your focus.

  3. Breathe deeply. Slow, deep breathing relaxes your body and replaces the hand-to-mouth habit in a healthier way.

Relapse does not mean failure; it just means you need a slightly different strategy or more support. With the right plan, you can quit for good.

To guide you better, I would like to know:

  1. How many cigarettes do you smoke in a day?
  2. What time of day are your cravings strongest?
  3. Have you used patches, gums, or medicines before?
  4. Do you feel stress is the main reason you relapse?

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At February 25, 2026
Reviewed At February 26, 2026

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja
Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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