(Saumya Kalya/ The Swaddle) — Long-term exposure to air pollutants can greatly increase the risk of developing dysmenorrhea, a condition in which people experience severe cramps and period pain, according to a new, important study that decodes the role air pollution plays in menstrual cycle function.
Dysmenorrhea is a wildly common gynecological condition, affecting almost 16-91% of people of reproductive age. The painful and severe periods are believed to be a result of hormonal imbalances or underlying conditions such as endometriosis or inflammatory diseases.
Out of the women diagnosed with dysmenorrhea, 2-29% attest to experiencing symptoms severe enough to restrict daily activity. (…)