The influence of environmental factors on premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging

Nikolaos Evangelinakis; Eleni V Geladari; Charalampia V Geladari; Adamantia Kontogeorgi; Georgios-Konstantinos Papaioannou; Melpomeni Peppa; Sophia Kalantaridou

doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107871

The influence of environmental factors on premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging

Maturitas. 2024 Jan:179:107871. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107871. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Authors

Nikolaos Evangelinakis¹, Eleni V Geladari², Charalampia V Geladari³, Adamantia Kontogeorgi⁴, Georgios-Konstantinos Papaioannou¹, Melpomeni Peppa⁵, Sophia Kalantaridou⁶

Affiliations

¹ 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
² 3rd Internal Medicine Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Liver Outpatient Clinic, Ypsilantou 45-47, Athens 106 76, Greece.
³ Hellenic Society of Environmental and Climate Medicine, 92 Danaon Street, 13122 Ilion, Athens, Greece.
⁴ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Crete, Andrea Kalokerinou 13, Giofirakia, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
⁵ 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Diabetes Center, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital 1 Rimini Street, 12462, Chaidari, Greece.
⁶ 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital 1 Rimini Street, 12462 Chaidari, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: sophiakalantaridou@gmail.com.

PMID: 37925867
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107871

Abstract

Premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging are complex conditions that affect women's reproductive health and overall well-being. They are both characterized by hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility, and together affect about 1 in 100 women by the age of 40. This review explores the influence of environmental factors on the development and progression of premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging. When referring to environmental factors, we include a wide range of external agents and conditions, including chemicals, socioeconomic factors and lifestyle choices. Through a review of the literature, we attempt to highlight the link between environmental factors and ovarian health. We examine the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, on ovarian function and investigate the mechanisms by which these chemicals can disrupt hormone signaling pathways, leading to alterations in ovarian reserve, oocyte quality, and folliculogenesis. Moreover, we explore lifestyle factors like obesity, stress, smoking and alcohol in relation to their effects on ovarian aging. Epigenetic changes may play a crucial role in the prevalence of premature ovarian insufficiency. Understanding the impact of environmental factors on premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging is very important in public and clinical health contexts. By identifying risk factors, healthcare providers can develop targeted and strategic prevention and intervention plans. Furthermore, this knowledge can promote reproductive health and minimize exposure to harmful environmental agents.

Keywords: Climate change; Endocrine disrupting chemicals; Environmental factors; Epigenetics; Primary ovarian insufficiency.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Aging
Female
Humans
Menopause, Premature*
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency* / etiology
Reproduction