‘Lifestyle is biggest influencer of reproductive health’
In an interview with Avneet Kaur, Dr Monica Kapoor, senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Sai Prakash Hospital, Nawanshahr, shared her observations on the most commonly reported health issues among women today. With 18 years of experience and a special interest in infertility and high-risk obstetrics, she discussed the increasing cases of hormonal imbalance, the rising demand for IVF and the long-term impact of lifestyle choices on reproductive health.
What are some of the most common health issues women have been reporting in recent years, especially post-pandemic? Since the pandemic, I’ve seen a clear rise in cases of depression and anxiety among women. The disruption in routines, added responsibilities at home and social isolation have all taken a toll on mental health. Alongside this, reproductive health issues are becoming more common — especially menstrual irregularities and infertility. Many women have reported changes in their cycles or difficulty conceiving and the stress of the past few years has certainly contributed to that.
Have you noticed any trends in menstrual or hormonal health concerns among younger women?
Yes, hormonal imbalance is very common among younger women, even teenagers. The shift toward unhealthy eating habits, especially junk food, combined with a lack of physical activity, is a major contributor. Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions in this group. It leads to symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, acne and unwanted facial hair — all of which indicate serious hormonal disruption. Unfortunately, many girls don’t recognise these signs early and the problem worsens over time.
IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies are becoming increasingly popular — what do you think is driving this growth?
The demand for IVF and other fertility treatments has grown rapidly. A lot of this is due to late marriages and women choosing to have children later in life, often in their 30s or even 40s. As maternal age increases, fertility naturally declines, which leads couples to seek medical help. There’s also greater awareness now — people talk more openly about infertility and know their options. Financial factors also play a role; with rising incomes, many couples can now afford these treatments which were once considered out of reach.
How do lifestyle changes, including diet and stress, affect women’s reproductive health in the long run? Lifestyle is one of the biggest influencers of reproductive health. A healthy weight, nutritious diet, regular physical activity and stress management are all key to hormonal balance. Chronic stress, poor sleep and unhealthy food choices can lead to long-term problems like infertility or irregular periods. I always advise my patients that even small lifestyle changes — such as daily walks, yoga or reducing sugar intake — can make a big difference to their overall reproductive health over time.
What are some important but often overlooked areas in women’s reproductive health that you think need more awareness and attention today? Postpartum depression is more common than we realise, but it often goes undiagnosed because women don’t feel comfortable speaking about it. Another issue is access to contraception and safe abortion services. Addressing these issues requires not just medical intervention but also community education and policy support to ensure women have the care they need at every stage.
Punjab