- Apple’s India hiring points to deeper AI, engineering ambitions
- Understanding movement, recovery and human body
- IIIT Hyderabad launches centre to study learning in the AI era
- IIHM Bangalore students explore professional culinary skills
- Numbers caught my attention: 8-year-old earns India Book of Records recognition
- Hormones, metabolism & health: What women should know as they age
- Pregnancy back pain: What is normal and when should a woman see a physiotherapist?
- Police slap cases on KTR, Harish
Hormones, metabolism & health: What women should know as they age
In Short
Endocrinologist explains common misconceptions and shares practical advice on maintaining hormonal and metabolic health as women age
Share :
Dr Seema Daksh
For many women, changes in weight, menstrual cycles, sleep, energy levels or mood may be treated as separate concerns. However, some of these changes can be linked to hormonal and metabolic health, which can change throughout a woman’s life.
Discussions around women’s wellness are increasingly moving beyond diets and weight loss to include PCOS, thyroid disorders, diabetes, obesity and menopause. Newer approaches to diabetes and weight management, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and GLP-1-based medicines, have also entered public discussion.
In an interview with The Hans India, Dr Seema Daksh, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Endocrinology), Consultant Endocrinologist, discusses hormonal health, PCOS, weight and metabolism, GLP-1 medicines and menopause. She also shares advice on sleep, stress, physical activity and maintaining metabolic health as women get older.
Q. Why are hormonal problems becoming more common among women today? What are the early signs women should watch for?
Hormonal concerns may seem more common partly because of greater awareness and diagnosis, while lifestyle and environmental factors can also play a role. Chronic stress, inadequate sleep, sedentary routines, weight changes and highly processed diets can affect hormonal and metabolic health. Persistent menstrual irregularity, unexplained weight changes, acne, excess facial hair, hair thinning, unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances or difficulty conceiving should be evaluated by a doctor rather than self-diagnosed.
Q. What are some of the biggest misconceptions about PCOS?
One misconception is that every woman with PCOS is overweight or has ovarian “cysts”. PCOS can occur across different body sizes, and the ovarian findings are follicles rather than dangerous cysts. PCOS also does not inevitably cause infertility. Many women conceive naturally or with appropriate treatment. It is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition, and management should be individualised rather than reduced simply to weight loss.
Q. How do hormones affect weight and metabolism? Is weight gain always linked to diet and lifestyle?
Weight regulation is more complex than simply “calories in versus calories out”. Hormones influence appetite, satiety, energy expenditure, fat distribution and glucose metabolism. Hypothyroidism, PCOS and menopause can contribute to weight changes, while genetics, sleep, medications, age and metabolic health also matter. Persistent or unexplained weight gain deserves proper assessment rather than blame or extreme dieting.
Q. What should women know before considering GLP-1 medicines?
GLP-1-based medicines can be effective for type 2 diabetes and, in appropriate patients, obesity. However, they are prescription treatments and should not be viewed as cosmetic weight-loss treatments. Eligibility, contraindications, side effects and other medications should be reviewed by a qualified doctor. Women planning pregnancy require particular counselling because these medicines are not recommended during pregnancy. Adequate nutrition and protein, resistance exercise and appropriate follow-up can also help support muscle health and sustainable results.
Q. How does menopause affect weight, blood sugar and overall health?
Changes in oestrogen levels can be associated with abdominal fat accumulation and changes in body composition, cholesterol, bone health and insulin sensitivity. Ageing can also contribute. Women should prioritise resistance and aerobic exercise, adequate protein and calcium, good sleep and a balanced diet. Depending on individual circumstances, monitoring blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, weight or waist circumference and bone health may also be appropriate.
Q. Can stress and poor sleep affect hormones, weight and blood sugar?
Yes. Chronic stress and insufficient sleep can affect appetite regulation, cravings, insulin sensitivity and weight management. Simple measures include maintaining consistent sleep and wake times, regular physical activity, reducing late-night screen exposure, limiting caffeine late in the day and using stress-management practices such as walking, breathing exercises or mindfulness.
Q. What are three important steps women can take to protect hormonal and metabolic health as they age?
• First, build and preserve muscle through resistance training, daily movement and adequate protein.
• Second, protect sleep and manage chronic stress.
• Third, know your metabolic numbers, including blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, and monitor weight or waist circumference as appropriate. Persistent menstrual, weight or hormonal changes should be addressed early rather than relying on supplements, detoxes or social-media diagnoses.
