Is Climate Change Worsening Women’s Reproductive Health in India? The Unspoken Crisis

Have You Ever Thought About How Heatwaves Affect Your Period?

Imagine you’re in the middle of a scorching Indian summer, where the heat is unbearable, power cuts are frequent, and water shortages are routine. Now, think about the millions of women across the country who are experiencing their menstrual cycles, pregnancies, or menopause in this extreme climate. What does that mean for their health?

For too long, discussions about climate change in India have revolved around air pollution, heatwaves, and water scarcity—but what about their impact on women’s reproductive health? How do rising temperatures, polluted water, and toxic air influence menstruation, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and menopause? The answer is alarming: they make things worse.

How Climate Change is Making Menstruation More Difficult?

Menstrual health is highly sensitive to environmental factors, and climate change is introducing new risks that most women may not even be aware of. Heat stress has been linked to hormonal imbalances, which can lead to irregular periods, worsened premenstrual symptoms, and even early menopause (Asia News Network). In India, where summers frequently cross 45°C, women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding or painful cramps may find their symptoms aggravated by excessive heat and dehydration. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can alter cortisol levels, disrupting the delicate balance of reproductive hormones (Indian Express).

Water scarcity is another major concern. A 2023 UNESCO reports states that many regions in India, such as Rajasthan and Maharashtra, struggle with access to clean water, making menstrual hygiene management a challenge. Without sufficient water for sanitation, women face an increased risk of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other reproductive health complications. In rural areas, where access to sanitary products is already limited, this problem is even more pronounced (UNESCO).

Air pollution is also playing a silent yet significant role. Research suggests that long-term exposure to airborne pollutants can reduce ovarian reserve and increase infertility risks (Springer Nature). With Delhi consistently ranking as one of the most polluted cities in the world, women are being exposed to toxic chemicals that could be silently affecting their reproductive health (Health Policy Watch). Yet, there is little public awareness or scientific attention being given to this growing issue.

Watch this expert discuss how climate change is disrupting the menstrual cycle

Pregnancy in a Climate Crisis: Are We Underestimating the Risks?

India sees nearly 26 million births every year, yet the impact of climate change on pregnancy remains an overlooked crisis. Rising temperatures have been linked to an increase in preterm births and low birth weights. A study in India found that pregnant women exposed to higher temperatures had a significantly higher chance of delivering prematurely, leading to a higher risk of neonatal complications (Wiley). With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, this issue demands urgent research.

Food insecurity, driven by climate change, is worsening maternal health. Malnutrition remains a persistent problem in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and declining crop yields due to erratic weather patterns are exacerbating the crisis (ORF). Iron and folic acid deficiencies among pregnant women are rising, increasing the risks of anemia, miscarriages, and birth defects (Medical News Today). While maternal health programs address nutrition, they rarely consider the long-term effects of climate-driven food shortages.

Air pollution, another critical factor, is contributing to high rates of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Studies have linked exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide to an increased risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and fetal growth restrictions (Elsevier). Given India’s high levels of urban pollution, pregnant women in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are constantly breathing in harmful toxins that could be affecting their unborn children (India Today). Despite these alarming trends, research on air pollution and pregnancy complications remains scattered, and large-scale epidemiological studies in India are lacking.

Menopause in a Changing Climate: An Ignored Public Health Issue

Have you ever struggled to sleep on a sweltering night, drenched in sweat, unable to find relief? Now, imagine experiencing this daily while navigating hot flashes, night sweats, and chronic fatigue. For millions of menopausal women in India, climate change is turning an already challenging transition into a severe health burden.

Rising temperatures and environmental stressors are worsening symptoms, particularly for those working in agriculture, factories, and other labor-intensive sectors. With summer temperatures frequently exceeding 45°C (113°F), relief is limited (Elsevier). Hydration becomes difficult when water shortages persist, and rest is impossible in homes without cooling systems (Hormone Health). The connection of menopause and climate stress remains an under-research and major health crisis, despite its significant impact on quality of life (This is something that I observed while I was working on my PhD Proposal).

A 2024 report from Global Health NOW highlights an alarming trend: heatwaves are intensifying menopausal symptoms across India. Physicians are seeing an increase in severe hot flashes, dehydration, dizziness, and cardiovascular stress among midlife women. Estrogen, essential for regulating body temperature, declines during menopause, making it harder for the body to cool itself. In extreme heat, this physiological shift increases discomfort and elevates health risks.

Urban areas present additional challenges. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai suffer from the heat island effect, where concrete infrastructure retains heat, keeping temperatures high even at night (Springer). Persistent sleep disturbances caused by extreme nighttime temperatures are contributing to chronic fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive decline in menopausal women (Sleep Medicine Clinics). Poor sleep intensify the existing health conditions, yet this remains largely unaddressed in climate and health research.

Now like menstruation and pregnancy, air quality equally impacts menopausal health. Longitudinal studies suggest that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals accelerates ovarian aging, leading to menopause occurring earlier than expected (Nurses’ Health Study II Cohort).  Women in highly polluted cities face increased risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders due to early hormonal changes (Annual of Epidemiology). Despite growing scientific evidence, research on the effects of environmental pollution on midlife health in India remains inadequate.

Why Do We Need More Research on This?

Despite the clear health risks, India lacks effective and holistic scientific evidence on how climate change affects women’s reproductive health. Most research in women’s health remains focused on maternal mortality, anemia, and malnutrition, but very few studies examine how heat, pollution, and environmental stress impact menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Without detailed epidemiological research, women’s health concerns related to climate change will continue to be overlooked.

There is an urgent need for long-term studies that track the effects of climate stressors on reproductive health, particularly among vulnerable populations. More research is required to understand how environmental toxins affect ovarian health, pregnancy complications, and menopause symptoms. The impact of climate change on menstrual disorders remains poorly understood, and there is a need for interdisciplinary collaboration between environmental scientists, reproductive health experts, and epidemiologists to bridge these knowledge gaps.

Climate Change is a Health Issue

When we talk about climate change, images of melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and extreme weather dominate the conversation. Yet, its impact on human health, particularly reproductive well-being, remains underexplored. Climate change does not discriminate—it affects both men and women, influencing hormonal health, fertility, and overall well-being. However, the unique challenges faced by women, especially in menstrual health, pregnancy, and menopause, still remain limited compared to the consequences it is creating.

The conversation needs to evolve. Climate change is more than an environmental crisis; it is a public health emergencywith profound implications for reproductive health across genders. While existing research has primarily focused on maternal and child health, a broader lens is needed to understand how climate stressors—heatwaves, pollution, and food insecurity—affect reproductive systems and long-term health outcomes for all.

Without a focused research agenda, the long-term health effects of climate change will remain poorly understood. As environmental conditions continue to shift, science must provide answers to ensure reproductive health remains a priority. The question is no longer whether climate change is affecting reproductive health—it is how much damage will be done before we start paying attention?