Endocrine Disruptor Compounds in Environment: Focus on Women's Reproductive Health and Endometriosis

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 16;24(6):5682. doi: 10.3390/ijms24065682.

Abstract

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecologic illness that has long-term effects on a woman's fertility, physical health, and overall quality of life. Growing evidence suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be etiologically involved in the development and severity of the disease. We consider the available human evidence on EDCs and endometriosis, limiting ourselves to studies that have individually assessed chemical amounts in women. Dioxins, BPA, Phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors, like DDT, are among the evidence indicating an environmental etiology for endometriosis. Collectively, this review describes how environmental toxins are linked to lower fertility in women, as well as a number of reproductive diseases, focusing on the pathology of endometriosis and its treatments. Importantly, this review can be used to investigate techniques for preventing the negative effects of EDC exposure.

Keywords: endocrine disruptors; endometriosis; inflammatory issues; reproductive system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endocrine Disruptors* / toxicity
  • Endometriosis* / etiology
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Environmental Pollutants* / toxicity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Reproduction
  • Reproductive Health

Substances

  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Environmental Pollutants

Grants and funding

This research was supported in part by Ministero dell’istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca (MIUR), PRIN 2017 (Prot. 2017 MLC3NF).