REVIEW PAPER
A review of literature concerning the impact of endocrine-disrupting substances on women's reproductive health
1
Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Silesian Medical University in Katowice., Polska
Corresponding author
Weronika Osmala-Kurpiewska
Department of Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Piekarska 18, 41-902, Bytom, Poland
Department of Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Piekarska 18, 41-902, Bytom, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Substances that can imitate natural hormones in the body are known as endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs). Women are commonly exposed to EDCs from materials that come into contact with food and personal care products. The aim of this review is to present the current data covering the years 2020–2026 on the impact of EDCs on women's health.
Review methods:
To facilitate the literature review, the PubMed database was searched using the following search terms: ‹female reproductive health AND endocrine disruptors›, ‹women's reproductive health AND EDCs›, ‹pregnancy exposure AND endocrine disrupting chemicals›, ‹pregnancy exposure AND EDCs›, ‹female reproductive health AND EDCs›. Articles not related to the topic were excluded during the preliminary review of summaries. A total of 17 studies published between 2016–2026 were finally analysed. in the end.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
EDC substances disrupt the binding of hormones to their respective receptors, particularly the estrogen and androgen receptors, resulting in agonistic or antagonistic effects. Consequently, EDCs may have a negative effect on reproductive functions. This includes reducing the ovarian reserve and increases the risk of infertility.
Summary:
In scientific publications, the significant impact of EDC on health is emphasized, and there is therefore a need to continue research, including using advanced methods for detecting and measuring EDC mixtures.
Substances that can imitate natural hormones in the body are known as endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs). Women are commonly exposed to EDCs from materials that come into contact with food and personal care products. The aim of this review is to present the current data covering the years 2020–2026 on the impact of EDCs on women's health.
Review methods:
To facilitate the literature review, the PubMed database was searched using the following search terms: ‹female reproductive health AND endocrine disruptors›, ‹women's reproductive health AND EDCs›, ‹pregnancy exposure AND endocrine disrupting chemicals›, ‹pregnancy exposure AND EDCs›, ‹female reproductive health AND EDCs›. Articles not related to the topic were excluded during the preliminary review of summaries. A total of 17 studies published between 2016–2026 were finally analysed. in the end.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
EDC substances disrupt the binding of hormones to their respective receptors, particularly the estrogen and androgen receptors, resulting in agonistic or antagonistic effects. Consequently, EDCs may have a negative effect on reproductive functions. This includes reducing the ovarian reserve and increases the risk of infertility.
Summary:
In scientific publications, the significant impact of EDC on health is emphasized, and there is therefore a need to continue research, including using advanced methods for detecting and measuring EDC mixtures.
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