New research is shedding new insight into how harmful compounds contained in plastic may disrupt hormone function and women’s health.
Approximately 80 percent of reproductive-aged women have uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors that form in the uterus, but the source is typically unknown.
Scientists have long assumed that genetics, hormones, food, and major life stressors all have a role.
According to new research from Northwestern University, substances we are exposed to in our daily lives may also contribute to the formation of uterine fibroids in many women.
According to the paper, these compounds are found in plastics used in food packaging, medical products (such as IV bags), and cosmetics, alter the endocrine function, and can contribute to the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors such as uterine fibroids.
Despite the fact that these chemicals are hazardous and can cause direct injury to human tissue when consumed or inhaled, they are legal in the United States and are widely utilized.
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Previous studies have found a link between endocrine-disrupting chemicals and uterine fibroids, as well as other hormone-sensitive health issues such as breast cancer and endometriosis.
However, this study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is one of the first to show how these pollutants disrupt hormone function.
The researchers tested the level of DEHP, the most commonly used endocrine-disrupting phthalate, in the urine of 712 individuals for the study. According to the paper, we are regularly exposed to DEHP through medical items, food, beverages, and airborne dust.
The researchers discovered that those who had higher amounts of DEHP traces in their urine were more likely to have a symptomatic uterine fibroid. Each 10% increase in phthalate levels was associated with a 6% increase in the risk of fibroid formation.
The researchers also investigated whether phthalates affect fibroid growth by exposing cells from some of the patients’ fibroid tumors to different types of phthalate metabolites or molecules left behind after phthalates are metabolized in the body.
They discovered that high phthalate levels stimulated a hormone pathway that enabled fibroid cells to survive and grow.
Previous studies have linked endocrine-disrupting chemicals to uterine fibroids, leading to the conclusion that the higher the phthalate concentration in the body, the greater the risk of uterine fibroids.
These compounds have also been related to breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian aging, and impaired sperm production and function.
Scientists have believed that phthalates promote fibroid cell growth by mimicking or preventing the production of estrogen and progesterone, two chemicals that increase fibroid growth during people’s reproductive years, but evidence has been lacking.
These new findings provide some light on how environmental pollutants alter certain of our hormonal processes and lead to the development of uterine fibroids and other reproductive health issues.
Because the development and growth of uterine fibroids are poorly understood, this new study is crucial in revealing how a woman’s environmental exposures may raise her risk for uterine fibroids.
Unfortunately, while routinely used chemicals are assessed for toxicity, their propensity to disrupt endocrine function is not thoroughly investigated, mostly because the health implications can be difficult to assess.
The effects aren’t usually dose-related, and sometimes large effects are noticed at low or high levels, and the effects of endocrine disruptors aren’t always obvious.
RELATED: What Black Women Need To Know About Fibroids Endocrine Disruptors
It’s something to think about. Some scientists advise against using plastic bottles and food packaging; instead, use glass containers whenever possible and avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-containing products that include phthalates.
Because phthalates are ubiquitous, it is more difficult to avoid them totally. These chemicals are found in hundreds of items, yet in most cases, they are not stated on the product packaging labels.
Check the components of any foods, makeup, or home products you use. Look for phthalate-free labels on microwave-safe containers, toys, and consumer products.
Because phthalates are included in so many medical goods, it may be worth asking your healthcare practitioner whether they have any phthalate-free options.
This study is an important step in laying the groundwork for future research into how phthalate exposure affects health and illness risk, allowing women to advocate for safer products.
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