Women in fast culture: What is changing with their health?

Fast culture traits - sedentary lifestyle, irregular eating habits, erratic sleep patterns, chronic stress and poor sleep are behind the surge in lifestyle disorders among women.

There is an upward trend in women developing lifestyle-induced hormonal disorders, experts have said. 

This includes cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, endometriosis and even chronic liver disease.

Fast culture traits including - sedentary lifestyle, irregular eating habits, erratic sleep patterns, chronic stress and poor sleep are behind the surge in lifestyle disorders among them.

These conditions are seemingly inter-connected and are increasing the likelihood of them developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions, including high abdominal fat, high bad cholesterol, elevated blood pressure or blood glucose.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), women having hormonal disorders are in for long term health problems which can affect their physical and emotional well-being.

What is causing the shift?

There is a surge in the hormonal and fertility disorders affecting women causing abnormal ovulation, irregular periods and infertility.

Chronic stress, endocrine disrupters, obesity and environmental factors are important drivers of the condition, said experts.

As per an article published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, today PCOS affects one in eight women who are in reproductive ages.

While PCOS is not dependent on body mass index (BMI), its likelihood can be increased with poor lifestyle habits.

Speaking to DH, Dr Hrishikesh Pai, a consultant gynecologist and IVF specialist at Lilavati Hospital (Mumbai) said: “It’s not one thing we can point out which is causing the problem. It's a cumulative effect of many factors disrupting the intricate hormonal balance in a woman’s body.”

Occasional alcohol intake and nutritional deficiencies are two major agents causing changes at the grassroots.

“Many of them are taking alcohol on weekends. On the front it seems like a harmless fun activity to unwind oneself from the tiredness of the week, however, it disrupts the hormonal system in a woman’s body. Alcohol meddles with the metabolism of estrogen and liver functions. Both of them are integral to the regulation of fertility hormones.”

Diets poor in important nutrients like protein, iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and healthy fats are also contributing to hormonal imbalance, he added.

“Too much dependency on sugary or energy dense foods is increasing the risk of insulin resistance and systemic inflammation which is a precursor to many chronic disorders including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders,”  said Dr Pai.

The expert also highlighted the increasing instances of fatty liver disease in young women which is closely associated with hormonal dysfunction.

Stress and sleep

As per experts, many women in reproductive ages are not sleeping well. As per newer studies, women may need more or deeper sleep to function optimally in comparison to men.

“Abnormal sleep fluctuates the release of melatonin (regulates sleep wake cycle) and cortisol (regulates stress response) in the body, both of which are essential for egg formation and healthy ovulation,” said Dr Pai.

The fertility expert elaborated the ill effects of high cortisol spikes in the body, resulting in inhibition of normal reproductive function.

Long working hours, erratic sleep, poor work and life balance and relational problems are some culprits keeping the body in survival mode, he added.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and young girls

As per a study published in the journal Endocrinology, young girls on exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (those present in perfumes, detergents and other personal care products) are more likely to start puberty early which increases risk of many chronic conditions.