Night shift work is linked to menstrual irregularity

New research suggests that night shift work is linked to menstrual irregularity and increased chance of developing endometriosis. According to a study being presented at the 23rd European Congress of Endocrinology (e-ECE 2021), on Sunday, women working night shifts may be at a greater risk of menstrual irregularity and developing endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places such as ovaries and fallopian tubes. Endometriosis affects roughly 10 percent (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally. The symptoms of endometriosis can vary - some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms. In severe cases, it can be very painful and can cause infertility, miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies due to the probable effects of endometriosis on the pelvic cavity, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus. Disruption of circadian rhythm in night shift workers has been associated with menstrual irregularity, as well as an increased chance of developing endometriosis and ovarian tumours. However, the causal relationship of the altered expression pattern of these genes with the development of endometriosis needs further investigation.