Abstract

Author:
Ijeoma Evangeline UMECHE, Mathew Folaranmi Olaniyan, Olawuyi Abdullahi Olaleye, Adewole Isaac ADEMUYIWA, Oladejo Paul Oluyinka

Doi: 10.26480/jhcdc.01.2025.43.47

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic or natural compounds that interfere with the endocrine system’s normal functions, leading to adverse effects on reproductive health. EDCs are commonly found in everyday consumer items such as plastics, cooking pots, toys, cosmetics, pesticides, and industrial products. This seminar focuses on their impact on reproductive hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are crucial for regulating fertility and menstrual cycles. To conduct research this review, a comprehensive literature search strategy was employed across various databases. Selected articles were evaluated based on their relevance, and data were extracted, synthesized, and categorized according to thematic content. Quality assessment was performed on different types of articles, ensuring robust findings. Exposure to EDCs, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens, has been linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and irregular menstrual cycles. EDCs disrupt hormone synthesis, signaling, and receptor functions, leading to altered ovarian function, reduced fertility, and changes in hormone levels. Molecular diagnostic techniques, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, hormone assays and gene expression studies, play a critical role in detecting these disruptions. Preventing or limiting exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is essential for reducing health risks, particularly those affecting reproductive, developmental, and hormonal systems. The findings highlight the urgent need for regulatory policies and further research to mitigate exposure risks. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of low-dose exposure to EDCs on reproductive health.