The Impact of Hormonal Imbalance on Physiological and Psychological Health in Young Females: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study compared the prevalence, symptomatology and lifestyle predictors of hormonal imbalance in 200 female students between the age of 16-26 years and living in Rawalakot, Pakistan. The information was gathered with the help of a questionnaire and processed with the help of descriptive statistics. The results showed that it had a high rate of prevalence of 58.85% in participants between the ages of 20 and 25 years with hirsutism (64.61%), thinning of hair (65.43%), irregular menstrual period (37.45) and frequent swings in mood (58.85) being the main manifestations of the condition. The main factors reported were academic stress (39.09%), and frequent intake of fast foods (50.21%). It is important to note that 75.72% of respondents had not consulted a physician on their symptoms and a large disparity exists in healthcare seeking behavior. The research concludes that hormonal imbalance is commonplace but underreported, with the largest role played by the fact that the condition is partly predetermined by the modifiable lifestyle aspects. Limitations are related to cross-sectional nature and use of self-reported data. The implications note the need to implement specific educational programmes, early clinical focus and lifestyle intervention. Future studies ought to include longitudinal study, wider sampling, and community-based health promotion to boost awareness, prevention, and treatment of hormonal disorders among young women.