Hormonal Imbalance: Why So Many Indian Women Are Feeling ‘Off'
Hormonal imbalances are no longer rare or limited to a certain age group, they are a growing concern for Indian women across generations and regions.
More and more Indian women today are experiencing signs that something's just not right—irregular periods, unexpected weight gain, constant tiredness, mood swings, and more. These symptoms often point to hormonal imbalances, a growing yet under-discussed health issue.
Despite how common these problems are, awareness is still lacking, especially in rural areas, and many women go undiagnosed for years.
What Is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones are your body's messengers. Produced by glands like the thyroid, ovaries, and adrenal glands, they help control everything from mood and metabolism to sleep and reproduction.
A hormonal imbalance occurs when these messengers are produced in too little or too much quantity, or when their signals get disrupted. The result? A ripple effect that can throw off your body's normal functions.
Some of the most common hormone-related conditions among Indian women include PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), thyroid disorders, and menopausal transitions. Each comes with its own set of challenges and affects women differently based on age, genetics, and lifestyle.
How Common Are Hormonal Imbalances in India?
From PCOS in young adults to thyroid issues and menopause-related struggles, data reveals that these aren't isolated health problems; they are affecting millions across age groups and geographies. Here's a closer look at the key conditions and what the numbers say.
PCOS tops the list when it comes to hormonal disorders among Indian women aged 15–45. A 2023 study in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism estimates that 9–22% of women in this age group are affected, with urban areas seeing rates as high as 26%.
The condition is marked by excess androgens (male hormones), irregular periods, and ovarian cysts. It can lead to infertility, acne, and hirsutism (excessive facial/body hair).
The same study also highlights that 30–40% of women with PCOS in India have insulin resistance, making them more vulnerable to type 2 diabetes and heart issues.
Worth noting: While genetics are involved, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and exposure to environmental triggers like pollution may be increasing the risk. However, more India-specific research is still needed.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid issues, especially hypothyroidism (when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs), are another widespread concern.
According to a 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, about 10–15% of Indian women face thyroid dysfunction, with hypothyroidism being more common than an overactive thyroid.
Fatigue, depression, and unexplained weight gain are often brushed off as lifestyle problems but can signal deeper hormonal issues. The study also notes higher prevalence in coastal and iodine-deficient regions like parts of North India.
Important detail: Autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's are on the rise too, possibly due to urban stress and lifestyle shifts.
Menopause And Perimenopause
Menopause is a natural hormonal shift that happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but the symptoms often start earlier, during perimenopause.
A 2022 study in the Journal of Mid-Life Health found that 60–70% of Indian women experience noticeable symptoms like hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and mood changes during this transition.
Unfortunately, due to cultural silence around menopause, many suffer without proper help, especially in rural areas where awareness and access to treatment are limited.
Key issue: Hormone therapy (HRT), which can ease severe symptoms, is rarely used in India due to its cost and stigma.
Other Hormonal Disorders
Less frequent, but still impactful, are conditions like Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease. A 2020 review in the Indian Journal of Medical Research estimates that about 1–2% of Indian women are affected by such adrenal disorders, which can cause major fatigue, blood pressure changes, and abnormal weight gain or loss.
Hormonal issues are rising fast, and it's not just genetics. Urban stress, poor diets, lifestyle shifts, and environmental factors are throwing things off balance.
Lifestyle And Urbanisation
Urban life has brought convenience but also complications. A 2023 study in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia found that obesity is rising rapidly among urban Indian women, with 25–30% now classified as overweight or obese.
Sedentary routines, processed foods, and chronic stress are major triggers, especially for PCOS and thyroid issues.
Genetic And Environmental Factors
Genetics does play a big role. A 2021 article in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism pointed out that South Asian women, including Indians, are more genetically prone to insulin resistance and PCOS.
On the environmental front, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday items—like plastic containers and pesticides—may also be influencing hormone health. However, more data is needed in the Indian context.
Dietary Shifts
We're slowly shifting from traditional Indian meals full of fibre, legumes, and home-cooked veggies to fast foods and sugary snacks.
A 2022 study in Nutrition and Diabetes links poor diets and micronutrient deficiencies—like lack of iodine or magnesium—to rising rates of PCOS and thyroid issues.
Stress and Mental Health
The non-stop pace of urban life is taking its toll. Chronic stress triggers high cortisol levels, which can mess with insulin, thyroid, and reproductive hormones.
According to a 2020 survey by the Indian Psychiatric Society, stress and anxiety levels in women—especially during and after the pandemic—are sharply rising, often making hormonal symptoms worse.
Limited Healthcare Access
In rural India, reaching the right doctor or even getting basic blood tests done is still a challenge. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021) shows that while 80% of urban women have regular access to healthcare, only 60% in rural areas do. This gap means many cases go undiagnosed and untreated.
Symptoms and Impact
Hormonal imbalance symptoms are wide-ranging and often overlap with other conditions, making them hard to pinpoint. But some common ones include:
These symptoms don't just affect the body—they impact mental health, work, relationships, and quality of life.
A 2023 study in Human Reproduction found that 40% of Indian women with PCOS also struggle with anxiety or depression, especially due to fertility-related stress.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis early can make a huge difference. But many women delay medical help, often due to stigma or assuming their symptoms are 'normal." Standard diagnostic tools include:
Blood tests (to check hormone levels, insulin, thyroid function)
Ultrasounds (especially for PCOS)
Full medical history reviews
Treatment depends on the condition, but often includes:
PCOS: A mix of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), medications like metformin, and hormonal pills for period regulation
Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid hormone replacements (levothyroxine) or drugs to suppress an overactive thyroid
Menopause: In severe cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), though often replaced with lifestyle changes like yoga or supplements in India
A 2022 review in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine highlights how powerful simple lifestyle changes—healthy eating, staying active, and managing stress—can be in improving symptoms across the board.
Challenges and the Way Forward
There's still a lot of stigma around talking about periods, fertility, or menopause. Many symptoms are brushed off as 'just part of being a woman." But this mindset delays diagnosis and treatment.
To move forward, experts suggest:
Routine screenings: Especially for women with a family history of thyroid or PCOS
Lifestyle focus: Encouraging regular activity and traditional balanced diets
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More awareness: Campaigns and open conversations to normalise hormonal health issues
Public health programs, like those led by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, are trying to close the gap, but there's still a long way to go.
About the Author
Surbhi Pathak
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
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July 13, 2025, 09:44 IST
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