Experts, Health News, ET HealthWorld

By Shilpasree Mondal

New Delhi: As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” it is crucial to acknowledge the growing threats to women’s reproductive health posed by environmental pollution.

Urban air quality has deteriorated to dangerous levels, with rising exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) and chemical pollutants linked to infertility, pregnancy complications, and hormonal imbalances. Research indicates that women living in highly polluted areas face an increased risk of miscarriages, preterm births, and low birth weight due to oxidative stress and inflammation.

The fetus, being particularly vulnerable, is more susceptible to developmental impairments caused by environmental toxins. Additionally, prolonged exposure to pollution may lead to endocrine disruptors, which affect glucose metabolism and contribute to conditions such as gestational diabetes.

Dr. Anuradha Kapur, Principal Director (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) & Head of Unit at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, highlights the impact of environmental pollutants on reproductive health. “Higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in urine were linked to a greater risk of pelvic endometriosis, but not ovarian endometriosis,” she explains. Studies also show that women who were fed soy formula as infants had more than double the risk of developing endometriosis in adulthood.

Heavy metals found in polluted environments interfere with fetal cell division and differentiation, leading to suboptimal fetal growth, reduced birth weight, and other long-term complications. Addressing these risks requires integrating gender perspectives into climate action, promoting women’s leadership in environmental decision-making, and ensuring access to clean resources.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is another major concern, as these substances are found in everyday products such as plastics, cosmetics, and processed foods. These disruptors interfere with hormone receptors, either blocking or overstimulating estrogen activity, leading to reproductive issues such as reduced fertility, ovarian cysts, and early menopause. Studies have also shown that endocrine disruptors contribute to declining sperm counts and impaired egg formation.

Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, explains the significance of hormonal balance in reproductive health. “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are all around us,” he says. “They interfere with hormone receptors, blocking or overstimulating estrogen, which can disrupt reproductive health in both men and women.”

One of the earliest signs of EDC exposure was observed in Latin America, where young girls developed early puberty due to endocrine disruptors present in cosmetics used by their mothers. Additionally, substances like BPA and PBDs (found in flame retardants) impact neuroendocrine pathways, affecting reproductive functions at multiple levels. “Fertility can be impacted in numerous ways by EDCs,” he adds. “They can lead to ovarian cysts, difficulties in egg formation, and even early menopause.”

The long-term accumulation of these harmful chemicals in the body is concerning, as their effects are not immediate but develop over time. Plastics, in particular, play a significant role in this exposure, as food and beverages stored in plastic containers or packaged in plastic bags can introduce harmful chemicals into the body. “It’s not something that happens overnight,” Dr. Mithal notes. “This is a chronic, low-grade accumulation over years that impacts health.”

He also warns that cooking with synthetic-coated utensils, such as non-stick cookware, may further increase exposure to endocrine disruptors. Addressing this issue requires both individual awareness and systemic policy changes to reduce the prevalence of harmful chemicals in everyday products.

Pollution-induced oxidative stress also damages germ cells, leading to poor egg and sperm quality. Studies show that air pollution affects ovarian reserves, causing hormonal imbalances, subfertility, and early menopause. Additionally, pollutants interfere with placental function, restricting fetal growth and increasing the risk of complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Phthalates, commonly found in plastic products, are known to disrupt thyroid function, which plays a vital role in fetal development. Smoke pollutants, on the other hand, have been linked to premature rupture of membranes, leading to miscarriage, preterm delivery, and neonatal complications.

Dr. Pallavi Vasal, Clinical Director of obstetrics and Gynaecology at Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram, emphasizes the increasing prevalence of hormonal imbalances among women. “One in ten women today faces menstrual irregularities and reproductive hormone imbalances,” she says. “Pollutants damage the cells that are actively dividing, including germ cells, leading to diminished ovarian reserves and hormonal disturbances.” She further explains that placental insufficiency caused by pollution leads to fetal growth restrictions, while free radicals generated by smoke exposure contribute to preterm labor and neonatal morbidity.

To minimize the risks posed by environmental toxins, experts recommend lifestyle modifications such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy BMI, and engaging in regular exercise. Reducing exposure to packaged foods, preservatives, and strong perfumes can help lower toxin accumulation.

“If you’re planning for a baby, try to conceive before 35,” advises Dr. Vasal, as fertility naturally declines with age. Minimizing deep-sea fish consumption due to high mercury levels and following a clean, organic diet can also significantly improve reproductive outcomes. “Prevention is key,” she concludes. “Eat clean, follow a fitness regime, and be mindful of environmental toxins in your daily life.”

As International Women’s Day highlights women’s health, growing research underscores the link between environmental factors and reproductive well-being. With pollution and endocrine disruptors affecting fertility and pregnancy outcomes, raising awareness and implementing preventive measures remain essential in addressing these concerns.

• Published On Mar 8, 2025 at 04:47 PM IST

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