In the US, found a link between cosmetics and female infertility
'18.09.2018'
Source: Independent
A mixture of chemicals found in popular cosmetic products can affect the fertility of women and even provoke the development of breast cancer, according to the results of a new American study.
Scientists from George Mason University in Virginia have found links between chemicals widely used in makeup and cosmetics, and changes in the balance of female sex hormones responsible for reproductive function, notes Independent.
The group analyzed 143 urine samples of women aged from 18 to 44 years who did not have chronic diseases. None of the participants used chemical contraceptives, therefore external factors did not affect their hormone levels.
It was found that those in whose urine chemicals were detected, such as parabens (a preservative widely used in cosmetic products), benzophenones (used as UV filters) and bisphenol A, produced abnormally many reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone.
An excess of estrogen is associated with the appearance of fibroids and irregular menstruation, while its serious deficiency blocks the maturation of eggs in the ovaries and ovulation - the release of an egg from the ovary, ready for fertilization.
Enhanced progesterone synthesis has been associated with both breast cancer and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Bisphenol A (BPA), known for its "gender-bending" effect - which can cause breast growth in men - can cause fertility problems in women.
Dr. Anna Pollack, Associate Professor in the Department of Global and Public Health at George Mason University, said: “This study looks for the first time on the effect of chemical mixtures commonly used in personal care products on hormones in healthy women of reproductive age. We used multiple interventions throughout the menstrual cycle, which is a step forward from studies that relied on one or two measures. ”
“What should we understand from the results of the study? We all need to be careful about the chemicals in the cosmetic and beauty products that we use. ”
“We have the first evidence that parabens can increase estrogen levels. If this discovery is confirmed by additional research, it may have implications for diseases associated with estrogen, such as breast cancer. "
The study, entitled “Effects of bisphenol A, chlorophenols, benzophenones and parabens on reproductive hormones in healthy women: an approach to chemical mixtures,” was published in the journal Environment Science.
