Introduction: Epidemiological observations indicate that stewardesses are exposed to reproductive and endocrine system disturbances. The aim of the study was to assess of thyroid function disturbances as well as to identify factors affecting the thyroid function among stewardesses working both within one time zone and on long-distance flights. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study covered 103 women aged 23–46. The study group (I) was divided into two subgroups: group Ia comprising stewardesses flying within one flight zone and group Ib stewardesses working on long-distance flights. The control group (II) were women of reproductive age who sought medical assistance due to marital infertility in whom the male factor was found to be responsible for problems with conception in the course of the diagnostic process. The assessment included: age, BMI, menstrual cycle regularity, length of work, frequency of flying, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration, level of free thyroxine (fT4), antibodies to thyroglobulin (aTG) and to thyroperoxidase (aTPO), prolactin concentration, sex hormone binding globulin (SHGB) concentration, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction. Descriptive methods and inferential statistics methods were used to compile the data. Results: The difference between the concentrations of TSH in the study group (2.59 mcIU/mL) and the control group (1.52 mcIU/mL) was statistically significant (p < 0.01). An elevated titer of thyroid antibodies (aTPO and/or aTG) was revealed in 46.3% of stewardesses and in 15.1% of patients from the control group (p < 0.001). Groups Ia and Ib in individual concentrations were not statistically significant. The frequency of occurrence of an elevated titer of thyroid antibodies depended on the length of work in the study group (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in patients spending up to 60 h a month flying and in patients spending more than 60 h flying, the percentage of the occurrence of thyroid antibodies was 50% and 43.5, respectively. Conclusions: The occurrence in stewardesses of a higher TSH concentration than in the control group can signify that stewardesses are burdened with a higher risk of the development of hypothyroidism in the future. The character of the work of stewardesses (frequency of flying as well as length of work) does not affect the immunological profile of the thyroid.

The work of flight attendants is associated with exposure to long-term stress, which may cause increased secretion of cortisol. The aim of the study is to determine the circadian rhythm of cortisol and to seek factors of potential influence on the secretion of cortisol in female flight attendants working within one time zone as well as on long-distance flights. The prospective study covers 103 women aged 23–46. The study group (I) was divided into two subgroups: group Ia, comprising female flight attendants flying within one flight zone, and group Ib, comprising female flight attendants working on long-distance flights. The control group (II) are women of reproductive age who sought medical assistance due to marital infertility in whom the male factor was found to be responsible for problems with conception in the course of the diagnostic process. The assessment included: age, BMI, menstrual cycle regularity, the length of service, the frequency of flying, diurnal profile of the secretion of cortisol, testosterone, estradiol, 17-OH progesterone, SHBG, androstenedione, and progesterone concentration. Descriptive methods and inferential statistics methods were used to compile the data. Comparing the profile of flight attendants from groups Ia and Ib shows that the curve flattened among women flying within one time zone. The secretion curve is also more flattened in women with less years worked and in flight attendants working less than 60 h per month. Due to the character of work, the female flights attendants do not have hypersecretion of cortisol. Frequency of flying and length of work affect the dysregulation of HPA axis.

Objectives: Epidemiological observations indicate that female flight attendants are exposed to some reproductive and endocrine system disturbances. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of hyperprolactinemia among female flight attendants, and to identify factors affecting the...

Endometriosis is a chronic, oestrogen-dependent inflammatory disease characterised by the implantation of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Pathogenetic factors include immune system dysfunction, angiogenesis disturbances, hormonal imbalance, and genetic predisposition. Key roles are played by activated macrophages and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α), as well as an altered Th1/Th2 lymphocyte balance and reduced NK cell activity. Endometriosis significantly reduces the quality of life for patients, affecting their physical, mental, and social well-being. According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology recommendations, endometriosis treatment should be multi-faceted, incorporating hormonal therapy and non-pharmacological methods such as dietary adjustments. Increasing research confirms the positive impact of an anti-inflammatory diet on reducing inflammation and alleviating endometriosis symptoms. Such a diet focuses on consuming foods rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and terpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The mechanisms of its action include modulating gut microbiota, reducing inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, IL-6, TNF-α), and regulating oxidative stress. Studies show that women following an anti-inflammatory diet for at least three months experience reduced levels of inflammatory markers and relief from pain symptoms. Key dietary components, such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, work by inhibiting arachidonic acid metabolism and synthesising pro-resolving mediators, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Polyphenols and terpenes affect cell signalling pathways and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. In conclusion, an anti-inflammatory diet is a promising adjunct to endometriosis therapy, helping to reduce inflammation and improving patients’ quality of life. However, further research is needed to determine optimal dietary components and their dosages.