Irregular Or Delayed Period? Expert Says Air Pollution May Be The Culprit

The national capital, Delhi, is currently wrapped in a blanket of dense fog. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 400, falling under the severe category, in multiple localities. The toxic air has been affecting the residents' health in every way possible. By now, we know that air pollution affects not just our lungs, but our heart, bones, brain, mental health… and the list goes on. Can the hazardous air impact have a negative impact on women's menstrual cycle as well? Today, this article will attempt to answer the question for you.

To get a comprehensive expert view on this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Chetna Jain, Director Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Sector 14, Gurgaon.

Can Air Pollution Affect Our Hormones?

Air pollution can impact women’s hormonal balance. Our expert explains how. “Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in polluted air can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which regulates estrogen and progesterone. Chronic exposure may trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, disturbing normal hormone signaling,” shares Dr Jain.

Every woman's hormones are likely to face the side effects of the toxic air. But certain groups are more vulnerable to these negative impacts. Let’s take a look at them:

• Pregnant Women: A woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal changes during pregnancy. Air pollution can interfere with this balance. Pollutants can raise the risk of complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems.
• Older Adults: As a woman ages, their body’s ability to adapt to environmental stressors decreases. This makes older adults more sensitive to the long-term effects of air pollution on hormone regulation.
• Women with pre-existing conditions: Women who are dealing with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues may experience worse hormonal health outcomes due to the air pollution.

Can Air Pollution Cause Irregular Or Delayed Periods?

Now, it’s time for the question you have been waiting for – can air pollution disrupt your menstrual cycle? Our expert decodes.

“Yes, air pollution can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles. Research suggests long-term exposure to high pollution levels is associated with cycle irregularities. Pollutants may alter ovulation patterns and hormone rhythms, making periods come earlier, later, or unpredictably — especially in women already sensitive due to stress, PCOS, thyroid issues, or nutritional deficiencies,” explains Dr Jain.

But can air pollution delay your period too? “Yes, pollution exposure can be linked to delayed periods. Inflammatory responses caused by pollutants may suppress or delay ovulation. If ovulation is delayed, menstruation naturally shifts later. Women living in highly polluted urban areas may notice occasional delays, particularly during months with severe smog,” shares the expert.

Can Toxic Air Worsen PMS? 

Now we know how hazardous air pollutants can negatively impact women’s hormones. But there’s more to it. Toxic air has the possibility of making your pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) worse.

“Air pollution can worsen period pain and PMS symptoms. Pollution-induced inflammation may increase prostaglandin production, which is linked to stronger uterine contractions and cramps. It can also intensify PMS symptoms like headaches, fatigue, mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness,” explains Dr Jain.

Also Read: Cycle Confusion: How Stress and Screens Throw Off Period Rhythms

Tips To Protect Hormonal Health From Air Pollution

While you can’t avoid pollution completely, you can reduce its impact. Expert shares tips to protect your hormonal health with these simple hacks:

• Limit exposure: Avoid outdoor workouts during peak pollution hours; follow AQI updates.
• Indoor air quality: Use air purifiers at home; keep windows closed on high-AQI days.
• Antioxidant-rich diet: Include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, turmeric, and green leafy vegetables to combat oxidative stress.
• Hydration and sleep: Adequate water and quality sleep support hormonal regulation.
• Regular exercise and stress management: Yoga, walking, and breathing exercises help regulate the HPO axis.
• Don’t ignore changes: Persistent irregularity, severe pain, or delayed periods should be evaluated by a gynecologist.

The Final Word

Air pollution is an often-overlooked environmental factor that can influence menstrual health.Chronic exposure may trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, disturbing normal hormone signaling. Thus, air pollution can cause irregular or delayed periods. The toxic air can also worsen period pain and PMS symptoms. You can protect your hormones from the negative effects of hazardous air pollutants by adopting simple hacks such as staying indoors when AQI is high and building an antioxidant rich diet.Awareness, lifestyle adjustments, and timely medical advice can go a long way in protecting women’s hormonal well-being.

Also Read: Bloated During Periods? Expert Shares What It Means