Be it a fast lifestyle, erratic working hours or stress. Slowly yet steadily, the factors have been taking its toll on women, including teenagers. Or so say doctors about cases they face where patients complain about severe hair loss, sudden weight gain, irregular menstruation or increased hair growth on the chest or body. The symptoms may vary, but the causal factor is a sudden hormonal change in the body.

City gynaecologists say over the last five decades, the number of women suffering from hormonal problems has increased to 20 per cent.

In women, such an imbalance has its effect on the functioning of the reproductive system. "Though the actual cause of polycystic diseases remains unknown, more women are becoming victims as a result of a rise in the level of testosterone, insulin resistance in the body, exposure to environmental pollution, a shift in lifestyle and food habits as well as indirect consumption of pesticides. These changes affect and alter the hormonal balance, disturbing the functioning and metabolism within the ovaries," says Dr Padmini Prasad, gynaecologist and managing director of Ramamani Nursing Home.

Many young girls come with complaints of irregular menstruation. Depending on the severity of the problem, such problems can, to a large extent, be corrected. "In cases where medication does not help, we provide laparoscopic ovarian relief by puncturing the multiple cysts and resetting hormonal production in the ovary," says Dr Prasad. While such problems are common among women in the productive age group of 18 to 45, doctors have begun to note a considerable increase of polycystic ovarian disease among adolescent girls. "Sheetal, a 15-year-old, approached me recently with complaints of delayed menarche. The scan reports suggested multiple polycystic ovarian cysts. Now, she is scared that she won't be able to have a baby," says Dr Prasad.

Instances are especially high among sexually active women, says Dr Aarthi Bharath, consultant gynaecologist, Sagar Hospital. She adds, "While oral contraceptive pills don't disturb the hormones in the body, many women take emergency contraceptive pills quite frequently leading to a hormonal imbalance."

Menopause can bring its own set of troubles, enough to affect every aspect of a woman's life. With the first symptoms of menopause, life seemed like a nightmare for
46-year-old Kinjari. The mood swings, hot flushes, emotional insecurities of not feeling 'attractive enough' or 'active enough' left her paranoid and depressed. "It was medication and personalised sessions of yoga, along with a counselling session that helped me to cope with this transitional phase," she says. (Soumita Majumdar / DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication)