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. 2024 Sep;11(3):356-379.
doi: 10.1007/s40572-024-00455-6. Epub 2024 Jul 22.

Exposure to Synthetic Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Relation to Maternal and Fetal Sex Steroid Hormones: A Scoping Review

Megan C Hansel  1 , Abigail M Rosenberg  2 , Carolyn W Kinkade  3 , Camila Capurro  1 , Zorimar Rivera-Núñez #  1   3 , Emily S Barrett #  4   5   6
Affiliations

Exposure to Synthetic Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Relation to Maternal and Fetal Sex Steroid Hormones: A Scoping Review

Megan C Hansel et al. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Many synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in the environment and highly detected among pregnant people. These chemicals may disrupt maternal and/or fetal sex steroid hormones, which are critical to pregnancy maintenance and fetal development. Here, we review the epidemiological literature examining prenatal exposure to common synthetic EDCs in relation to maternal and fetal sex steroid hormones.

Recent findings: We performed a literature search using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase, ultimately identifying 29 articles for full review. Phenols, parabens, and persistent organic pollutants generally showed inverse associations with androgens, estrogens, and progesterone. Phthalates and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances tended to be inversely associated with progesterone, while evidence regarding androgens and estrogens was mixed. Inconsistent, but noteworthy, differences by fetal sex and timing of exposure/outcome were observed. Overall, the literature suggests EDCs may disrupt maternal and fetal sex steroid activity, though findings are mixed. Given the pervasive, high-volume production of these synthetic chemicals and the critical functions sex steroid hormones play during gestation, additional research is warranted.

Keywords: Androgens; Endocrine-disrupting chemicals; Estrogens; Pregnancy; Sex steroid hormones; Synthetic chemicals.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of study selection
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