Obstet Gynecol Sci.  2020 Jan;63(1):1-12. 10.5468/ogs.2020.63.1.1.

Nonpersistent endocrine disrupting chemicals and reproductive health of women

• Cho YJ
• Yun JH
• Kim SJ
• Kwon HY

• KMID: 2467926
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2020.63.1.1

Abstract

Nonpersistent endocrine disrupting chemicals (npEDCs) are exogenous chemicals or mixtures of industrial agents that can interfere with the normal action of hormone with a shorter half-life and lower liposolubility. These are commonly found in plastics, medical equipment, detergents, and cosmetics. Recently, role of npEDCs on the changes of ovary and/or uterus development and alterations in hormonal signaling has been emphasized. However, many controversial results exist on the effects of npEDCs and reproductive health of women. Thus, we have focused to review the scientific evidence of a causal relationship between exposure to npEDCs and representative female reproductive issues such as menstrual cycle, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility/subfertility. Though not all studies indicated a positive correlation of npEDCs with female reproductive issues, the reviewed data illustrated that the majority of the available data strengthen the evidence of reproductive health-related actions of npEDCs. In future, recommendations should be made in order to reduce human exposure to npEDCs and to protect from steadily increasing reproductive health risks.

Keyword

Endocrine disruptors; Endometriosis; Uterine fibroid; Polycystic ovarian syndrome; Infertility

MeSH Terms

Detergents
Endocrine Disruptors*
Endometriosis
Female
Half-Life
Humans
Infertility
Leiomyoma
Menstrual Cycle
Ovary
Plastics
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Reproductive Health*
Uterus
Detergents
Endocrine Disruptors
Plastics

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