Comparative analysis of zinc, copper, chromium, iron and manganese among pregnant, unmarried and menopausal females using hairs as biomarkers

Abstract

Environmental changes as well as a worsening environmental quality, strongly affect women lives. A woman goes through a wide range of changes throughout her lifetime, from fetal development through her post-menopause years, which involves a direct relationship between body metallic ion concentration and development and function. When this relationship is balanced, it helps to create conditions for good health. However, when this relationship is out of balance, it can lead to a range of health problems that can be painful and devastating. With exposure, women and girls are at greater risk for developing reproductive health problems including early puberty, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and breast cancer. These health problems can be devastating to woman’s fertility, overall health and quality of life. In this scenario, the present investigation study was carried out to analyze the concentration of different metallic elements in female body by using scalp hairs. Hairs being noninvasive material are good indicator of metallic element in human body. Three categories of females viz. unmarried, pregnant and menopause were selected. Concentration of iron, copper and zinc were found lower among pregnant ones as compared to unmarried and menopausal females. Moreover, concentration of iron, zinc and copper were significantly higher among unmarried females.

Key words: Pregnant, unmarried, menopause, hairs.