Household Chemical Exposure may Hinder the Ability to Conceive

A recent study has established a connection between preconception exposure to phthalates and women’s reproductive health. The research delves into how phthalates not only reduce the likelihood of conception but also disrupt crucial reproductive hormones, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence highlighting the adverse effects of these chemicals.

Phthalates, a class of synthetic chemicals, are commonly utilized as solvents, plasticizers, and stabilizers in various personal care items like soap, body lotion, perfume, nail polish, shampoo, hair gel, and hairspray. Additionally, they are present in household items such as vinyl flooring, plastic packaging, garden hoses, and toys.

Consumption and Inhalation According to CDC

As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals encounter phthalates through the consumption of foods and beverages that have come into contact with these chemicals. Additionally, some exposure occurs through inhaling airborne particles. Research indicates that exposure to certain phthalates can interfere with the endocrine system, leading to heightened inflammation and oxidative stress.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst has explored the connection between preconception exposure to phthalates and a woman’s likelihood of conceiving and maintaining pregnancy, as well as the impact on inflammation and oxidative stress.

“Phthalates, which are pervasive endocrine disruptors, are encountered in our daily lives,” stated Carrie Nobles, the lead author of the study.

The researchers examined data collected as part of the EAGeR (Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction) study, which monitored 1,288 women over six menstrual cycles as they attempted to conceive and followed those who became pregnant throughout their pregnancies. The average age of participants was 28, and the data were adjusted for variables such as age, BMI, race/ethnicity, cigarette smoking, and parity.

“We investigated environmental exposures like phthalates and their relation to the time it takes to achieve pregnancy,” explained Nobles. “Detailed data for each menstrual cycle allowed us to accurately determine the date of ovulation and the timing of pregnancy occurrences.”

As the body metabolizes phthalates, the resulting metabolites are expelled in urine. The researchers examined 20 phthalate metabolites and reproductive hormones in participants’ urine samples, along with measuring serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation biomarker.

Impact of Phthalate Metabolites on Fecundability and Time to Conception

In general, elevated preconception urinary concentrations of certain phthalate metabolites were linked to reduced chances of conceiving within one menstrual cycle (fecundability). Notably, metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP) demonstrated associations with longer time to conception. However, there were no clear associations between phthalate metabolites and the risk of pregnancy loss.

“We observed that three parent compounds were most strongly linked to an extended time to pregnancy, although we noted a general trend of increased time to conception across the phthalates examined,” explained Nobles. “As exposure levels rose, the impact became more pronounced.”

Hormonal Implications

DEHP is present in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic items such as toys, vinyl upholstery, shower curtains, adhesives, and certain food packaging, as well as pesticides and cosmetics. DBP is found in hairspray, nail polish, and some perfumes, among other household items. BzBP is present in some handbags, belts, and footwear, and to a lesser extent, in certain personal care products.

Elevated levels of certain phthalate metabolites were associated with reduced estradiol levels throughout the menstrual cycle and consistently linked to higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Estradiol is a steroid hormone regulating the menstrual cycle, while FSH and LH jointly regulate ovulation. These hormones play a crucial role in the early stages of pregnancy.

“This hormonal profile, characterized by low estradiol and elevated follicle-stimulating hormone, is something we observe in women with ovarian insufficiency, which can occur due to age and other factors,” noted Nobles. “Ovulation is not occurring as efficiently as it once did.”

Read the original article on: New atlas

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