Environmental exposure to selected non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder manifesting with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and/or polycystic ovaries. The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition, insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and excessive androgen production. Various environmental factors, especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in addition to genetic and hormonal ones, also may influence PCOS. This is one of the first systematic reviews dealing with the exposure to non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals and PCOS. The review summarizes the existing knowledge about the association of EDCs with PCOS based on significant findings on the toxicity of various non-persistent environmental EDCs and polycyclic ovarian syndrome risk. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in order to identify proper studies using PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, and Springer databases. The results of the studies suggest that there is a positive association between bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, octocrylene, and PCOS. The data concerning triclosan and PCOS were inconclusive. Additionally, no link between the exposures to parabens and PCOS was observed. These results of the presented studies highlight the urgent need for continued research on EDCs and their role in PCOS. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(2):98-121.

Keywords: BPA; PCOS; endocrine disrupting chemicals; parabens; phthalates; triclosan.