‘Menstrual disorders widespread in urban women’

Leading a sedentary life, avoiding exercise and eating junk food are major reasons why most young urban women have menstrual disorder, say gynaecologists.

They said more women visit their outpatient clinics complaining of irregular periods, excessive bleeding or no periods.

“When I completed my Doctor of Medicine (MD) 14 years ago, I never found women coming with menstrual problems because in those days, the food habits followed were fair and healthy enough. But nowadays, I treat a lot of women with such disorders,” said Shanthala Thuppanna, Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgeon, Sakra World Hospital, during the ‘Hands-on-Hysteroscopy’ workshop at Marathahalli on Sunday.

She added: “Most young women working in corporate companies sit for hours and hardly get time to go for morning or evening walks. Also, youngsters are addicted to junk food. Some women have irregular sleep as they are caught up with night duties. These are affecting their health badly.”

In comparison, young women in rural areas are healthier. “They are not addicted to junk food,” said a gynecologist, who conducted the workshop. “Rural women even get frequent counselling on diet and health habits in medical camps held by doctors and non-governmental organisations.”

Shanthala said even middle-aged women have menstrual disorders due to miscarriages, a stressful lifestyle and a delay in pregnancies. She said the disorders are curable with proper diet and lifestyle.

“Ultrasonography is generally used to diagnose uterine problems. But some of the inner lining pathologies can even be missed with an ultrasonography. With the advent of hysteroscopy (high-definition camera), diagnosing and treating in daycare is possible with greater accuracy.”