 "Can Delhi’s toxic air make menstrual cramps more painful?")
Delhi is choking, and it’s all thanks to its poor air quality. On Monday (December 22), the Indian Capital woke up to hazy skies with overall air quality in the ‘very poor’ category with a reading of 366.
And it’s not just a one-day phenomenon in Delhi; over the past few days, the air pollution has been dangerously high, resulting in top pulmonologists advising residents to “leave Delhi if possible”, citing the dangerous effects poor air can have on the human body — ranging from the lungs to the heart.
But now a new study reveals that the impact of poor air goes well beyond that. It can also cause severe menstrual cramps.
Here’s a deep dive.
Study linking AQI with period cramps
A study published in Frontiers in Public Health has linked women’s painful periods with deteriorating air quality. Researchers have found that long-term exposure to polluted air can raise the risk of dysmenorrhea, which is the medical term for painful menstrual periods.
A study published in Frontiers in Public Health tracked over 296,000 girls and women between 16 and 55 for 13 years and found that those living in areas with the highest levels of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 were dramatically more likely to develop dysmenorrhea compared to those living in cleaner environments.
The study also noted that women and girls who lived in the highest polluted areas were at risk of developing dysmenorrhea up to 33 times higher compared with those in areas with cleaner air. Moreover, the results showed that during the period of their study, 4.2 per cent of women and girls were diagnosed with dysmenorrhea for the first time.
Professor Hsu, who conducted the study, was quoted as telling Healthandme.com, “Our results demonstrate the major impact of the quality of air on human health in general, here specifically on the risk of dysmenorrhea in women and girls.”
Quick Reads
View AllResearchers also observed that younger women, women from lower-income backgrounds, and those living in highly urbanised areas faced a higher risk of developing dysmenorrhea or painful periods. Among all factors studied, long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5 emerged as the strongest contributor.
Previous studies linking poor air quality to menstrual cramps
Notably, this isn’t the first time that a study has shown a link between polluted air and painful menstrual cycles.
A 2018 study found that teenage girls exposed to higher air pollution were more likely to experience irregular periods and took longer to develop regular cycles during adolescence and early adulthood.
Other studies have connected air pollution with longer menstrual cycles, increased stress, reproductive health issues, and even changes observed during lockdown periods. Conditions such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome have also been associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Scientists note that PM2.5, the small particles like dust that penetrate deep inside the lungs and enter the bloodstream, can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. According to several scientists, it may disrupt hormonal balance and increase pain sensitivity, factors leading to worsening menstrual cramps.
Delhi’s poor air quality
This study has raised concerns in a place like Delhi, where the air quality is hazardous. On Monday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) noted that seven areas of the city recorded ‘severe’ AQI levels; Narela recorded an AQI of 418, followed by Bawana (408), Wazirpur (403) and Anand Vihar (402) in the early hours of the day.
On Sunday, too, the situation was no better with 12 of Delhi’s 40 air quality monitoring stations recording readings above 400. In fact, such was the situation that at least 97 flights were cancelled at Delhi airport and more than 200 were delayed. Also, more than 50 Northern Railway trains were running late due to poor visibility caused by smog and foggy conditions.
Prevention tips
As improving air quality needs policy-level action, researchers have recommended steps for women to reduce risk and pain. These include:
Limit outdoor exposure on high-pollution days. Refrain from visiting outside, especially during early morning and late evening, and use air quality apps or websites to check the AQI daily.
N95 masks or air purifiers to decrease inhalation of fine particles. Indoor exercises when pollution level rises, a proper, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Consult doctors if menstrual pain worsens and interferes with daily life.
Avoid smoking, unhealthy food, and get proper sleep. As per health experts, these are simple but effective steps to take.
With inputs from agencies
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