Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a diverse, comprehensive group of mostly synthetic chemicals that disrupt many physiological functions in humans and animals. EDCs are particularly disruptive to the female reproductive system. Reproductive function in women is a dynamic process regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. EDCs show their effects on the reproductive system through estrogenic, antiestrogenic, androgenic, and antiandrogenic effects or by directly affecting gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. Disruption in the menstrual cycle, decrease in fertility, infertility, increased risk of miscarriage, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, early or delayed puberty, and hormone-sensitive cancers can be listed as the main negative effects of endocrine disruptors on the female reproductive system. In this review, findings on the effects of the most studied EDCs, bisphenol A, phthalates, methoxychlor ethane, tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, atrazine, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and micro- and nanoplastics on the female reproductive system are summarized.
DOI
10.55730/1300-0144.6125
Keywords
bisphenol A, Endocrine disruptors, female reproductive system, infertility, microplastics, nanoplastics
First Page
1641
Last Page
1647
Publisher
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
BAYKAL, R, & ERSOY, R (2025). The effects of endocrine disruptors on the female reproductive system. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 55 (7): 1641-1647. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.6125
