Air pollution may affect your menstrual cycle: Study

Next time a teenage girl steps out in the open, she might have to think about buying an anti-pollution mask as according to a recent study in the journal, Human Reproduction, extremely small particles of pollution have the potential to cause an irregular menstrual cycle in teenagers. 

According to experts from Boston University in Massachusetts, US, the negative health effects of air pollution exposure range from infertility to metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Study author Shruthi Mahalingaiah said, "While exposure to air pollution has been linked to cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, this study suggests that there may be other systems, such as the reproductive endocrine system, which is also affected."

Also Read: Opinion: Air pollution will make Delhi the infertility capital of the world

The study reveals that as the menstrual cycle is responsive to hormonal regulation -- the particulate matter of air pollution has demonstrated hormonal activity.

Exposure to air pollution among teenage girls (ages 14-18) is linked to slightly increased chances of menstrual irregularity and longer time to achieve such regularity in high school and early adulthood.

"Implications on human disease may come through reducing emissions on a global and individual level," Mahalingaiah added.