The Need for Research
In a literature review of nearly 9,000 studies indexed as exploring environmental impacts on fertility, only 337 examined impacts to female fertility.
Of these, only 5 examined how environmental contaminants impacted the daily hormone levels of the female cycle.
Four of these yielded significant results.
Environmental tobacco smoke was significantly associated with decreased levels of estrogen.
Chen C, Wang X, Wang L, Yang F, Tang G, Xing H, et al. Effect of Environmental Tobacco Smoke on Levels of Urinary Hormone Markers. Environmental health perspectives 2005 Apr 1;113(4):412-417.
High PFOS exposure was correlated with significantly decreased levels estradiol and progesterone.
Barrett ES, Ph.D, Chen C, M.A, Thurston SW, Ph.D, Haug LS, Ph.D, Sabaredzovic A, M.Sc, Fjeldheim FN, M.D, et al. Perfluoroalkyl substances and ovarian hormone concentrations in naturally cycling women. Fertility and sterility 2015 May 1;103(5):1261-1270.e3.
Higher exposure to the pesticide DDE was associated with significantly lower progesterone.
Windham GC, Lee D, Mitchell P, Anderson M, Petreas M, Lasley B. Exposure to Organochlorine Compounds and Effects on Ovarian Function. Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.) 2005 Mar;16(2):182-190.
PM10 and SO2 significantly reduced luteal phase length.
Merklinger-Gruchala A, Jasienska G, Kapiszewska M. Effect of Air Pollution on Menstrual Cycle Length—A Prognostic Factor of Women’s Reproductive Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14(7):816
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were associated with increased follicular phase length
Ulrike Luderer, Fletcher Christensen, Wesley O. Johnson, Jianwen She, Ho Sai Simon Ip, Junqiang Zhou, Josephine Alvaran, Edward F. Krieg, James S. Kesner. Associations between urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and reproductive function during menstrual cycles in women, Environment International, Volume 100, 2017, Pages 110-120
These findings are being prepared for publication in a peer-reviewed manuscript - anticipated publication in Summer 2026.
High PFOS exposure was correlated with significantly decreased levels estradiol and progesterone.
Barrett ES, Ph.D, Chen C, M.A, Thurston SW, Ph.D, Haug LS, Ph.D, Sabaredzovic A, M.Sc, Fjeldheim FN, M.D, et al. Perfluoroalkyl substances and ovarian hormone concentrations in naturally cycling women. Fertility and sterility 2015 May 1;103(5):1261-1270.e3.