We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The effects of endocrine disruptors on the female reproductive system
Summary
This review examined how endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including those associated with plastics, affect the female reproductive system by interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The authors summarize evidence linking EDC exposure to disrupted hormone signaling, impaired fertility, and increased risk of reproductive disorders.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a diverse, comprehensive group of mostly synthetic chemicals that disrupt many physiological functions in humans and animals. EDCs are particularly disruptive to the female reproductive system. Reproductive function in women is a dynamic process regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. EDCs show their effects on the reproductive system through estrogenic, antiestrogenic, androgenic, and antiandrogenic effects or by directly affecting gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. Disruption in the menstrual cycle, decrease in fertility, infertility, increased risk of miscarriage, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, early or delayed puberty, and hormone-sensitive cancers can be listed as the main negative effects of endocrine disruptors on the female reproductive system. In this review, findings on the effects of the most studied EDCs, bisphenol A, phthalates, methoxychlor ethane, tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, atrazine, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and micro- and nanoplastics on the female reproductive system are summarized.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Advances in understanding the reproductive toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women
This review examines how endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and triclosan may interfere with the female reproductive system. Evidence indicates that these chemicals, found widely in the environment, can disrupt hormone function and may contribute to adverse reproductive outcomes, though the precise mechanisms are still being studied.
Plastics and its effect to women reproductive systems
This article reviews how plastic pollution, including microplastics and the hormone-disrupting chemicals they contain, may affect women's reproductive health. It connects widespread plastic use to endocrine disruption, menstrual irregularities, and fertility concerns, though much of the evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY: Endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders: impacts on sexually dimorphic neuroendocrine pathways
This review summarized how endocrine-disrupting compounds — including plasticizers and persistent organic pollutants associated with plastics — interfere with sexually dimorphic neuroendocrine pathways governing reproduction, highlighting evidence for multigenerational effects and windows of particular developmental vulnerability.
A systematic review on the effect of microplastics on the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis based on animal studies
This systematic review of animal studies found that microplastics — especially polystyrene — disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, consistently decreasing estradiol levels and causing ovarian apoptosis and oxidative stress damage. These findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure as a potential contributor to female reproductive health problems in humans.
Impact of Chemical Endocrine Disruptors and Hormone Modulators on the Endocrine System
This review examines how endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including those found in plastics, interfere with the body's hormone systems through both direct and indirect pathways. Researchers found that long-term exposure to these substances can affect reproductive health, metabolism, and development, with physical stressors like light and temperature also playing a role. The study highlights the complexity of endocrine disruption and the need for broader research into non-chemical factors as well.