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Endocrine disrupting chemicals and male fertility
A new study investigating the impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on male reproductive health has examined correlations between multiple exposures of 12 chemicals found in everyday personal care and consumer products and 13 metabolites of phthalates and plasticizers, and their combined impact on sex steroid hormone levels in adult males.
Researchers applied multiple statistical methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the combined effects of chemical mixtures on men’s hormonal health. Data gathered from 1262 participants in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2013 to 2016 was analysed to evaluate the combined impact of simultaneous chemical exposure on the levels of sex hormones.
The results indicate impacts of multiple exposures to everyday chemical substances on health outcomes, where exposure to most EDCs was associated with decreased steroid hormone levels. Specific chemicals such as oxybenzone, and two phthalates including MECPP and MECOP, were identified as having significant effects on hormone levels, with variations in their impact based on concentrations detected in urine samples.
The study also found correlations between exposure and negative impacts on hormones levels including testosterone and estradiol which helps regulate libido, erectile function, and bone health. Abnormal levels of estradiol are associated with various health issues including hormonal imbalances, reproductive disorders, and certain cancers. Adverse impacts on the free androgen index used to determine abnormal androgen status were also noted.
This study highlights the complex, combination exposure effects between EDCs and male steroid hormones and builds our understanding of the impacts of exposure to everyday chemicals that may reduce male fertility through different biological pathways.
It follows an earlier study on the ‘mixture risk’ of 29 disrupting chemicals that impact male reproductive health. Exposure to Bisphenol A and phthalates were linked to poor semen quality Glyphosate exposure has also been positively correlated with lowered seminal plasma and raised oxidative stress, which is known to be a crucial factor in male fertility.
Overall, these findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of EDCs on male fertility to build our understanding of the biological mechanisms of exposure to everyday chemicals that could protect our future health and reduce potential reproductive risks.
Can exposure to EDCs be reduced?
If you are concerned about exposure to everyday chemicals there are plenty of products that use fewer chemicals in their ingredients list such as preservatives and fragrance. Product labels list ingredients but they are hard to understand, so we recommend an app called Yuka. It can be downloaded to your phone and used whenever you shop to help you understand chemicals ingredients and the associated health risks of thousands of everyday products including toiletries and food.
Read more
- Read the full study.
- The risks that exposure to EDCs present to sperm health.
- Endocrine disruptors and male fertility.
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