Impact of nutrients on infertility to menopause and vaginal infections

The incidence of various underlying gynecological complications in women, like infertility, early menopause, vaginitis, to name a few, is commonly related to unbalanced nutritional intake, stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and food habits. Consumption of high-calorific diet, high glycemic index foods, trans-fatty acids, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, smoking, sexually transmitted diseases, increasing age, etc. negatively impact health in women, leading to delayed puberty, infertility, vaginal microbiome disturbances, early perimenopause, and menopause. Nutrient adequacy benefits female health during adolescence, childbearing years, pregnancy, lactation, and aging years. Macronutrients, micronutrients, minerals, and antioxidants, along with lifestyle modifications, are reported to play a significant role in the well-being of women. Deficiencies of folic acid, vitamins, iron, calcium, and zinc, to name a few, have a profound impact on fertility. Throughout the menopausal period, the reduction in estrogen levels raises the risk of conditions like obesity, impaired insulin sensitivity, osteoporosis, cardiovascular or heart diseases, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It has been reported that menopause can be managed by consuming a nutritious diet, which can help surmount the associated complications in a better manner. Vaginal infections can be additionally managed and prevented using probiotics. Due to the high costs of fertility treatment procedures and undesirable effects of synthetic drugs on reproductive health, nutrients present a safe and beneficial avenue in strengthening reproductive health in women. Considering the importance of nutrients in infertility, menopause, and vaginal infections, which are considered global medical and social concerns, this chapter emphasizes the role of nutrients in women's health and well-being.