Health issues in modern women vs women in the past: a comparative analysis

The transition from traditional to modern lifestyles has brought about significant changes in various aspects of our lives. In the context of women's health, there is a growing concern that modern women are more prone to conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids.

Mr Mahantesh Karoshi, leading women’s health expert and consultant gynaecologist aims explores the potential reasons behind this increased vulnerability, attributing it to the shift in lifestyle factors such as dietary choices and sedentary habits.

Dietary Changes

One significant difference between traditional and modern lifestyles is the dietary patterns followed by women.

In the past, women typically consumed fresh, unprocessed foods that were prepared at home. However, with the advent of modern conveniences such as take-away food and processed options, the nutritional quality of meals has declined.

Processed foods often contain additives, preservatives, and high levels of refined sugars, which can disrupt hormonal balance and exacerbate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Traditional lifestyles involved physical activity as women engaged in various tasks like fieldwork, walking, and manual labour. In contrast, modern women are more likely to lead sedentary lives, spending extended periods sitting at desks or engaging in activities that require minimal physical exertion. Lack of physical activity can lead to poor blood circulation and impaired hormonal regulation, potentially contributing to the development or exacerbation of reproductive health issues.

Environmental Factors

Modern women are exposed to a wide range of environmental factors that were absent or less prevalent in the past. Chemical additives, pollutants, and toxins found in modern products such as cleaning agents, personal care items, and plastics have been linked to hormonal disruptions. Continuous exposure to these substances may increase the risk of developing conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids.

Psychological Stress

Modern lifestyles often come with higher levels of psychological stress due to various factors such as work pressure, long working hours, and increased responsibilities.

Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, aggravating symptoms of PMS and potentially contributing to the development of reproductive disorders like endometriosis. The impact of stress on the immune system can also exacerbate inflammation and increase the severity of symptoms associated with these conditions.

Conclusion

While it is important to recognise that not all modern women are prone to reproductive health issues, the shift in lifestyle factors has undeniably influenced the prevalence and severity of conditions like PMS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids.

The combination of dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, exposure to environmental toxins, and psychological stress may contribute to an increased vulnerability among modern women. Recognising these factors can help inform preventive measures, promote healthier lifestyle choices, and encourage further research to develop effective interventions and treatments for these conditions.

If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Karoshi, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today.