Abstract

Author:
Ijeoma Evangeline Umeche, Mathew Folaranmi Olaniyan, Olawuyi Abdullahi Olaleye, Adewole Isaac Ademuyiwa, Ebuka Anthony Emekwisie

Doi: 10.26480/jhcdc.01.2025.48.50

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 exogenous substances that interfere with the endocrine system, potentially altering hormonal balance. Among these, bisphenol A, parabens, phthalates and benzophenones are the most widely found in cosmetics. This study examined the impact of EDCs on estrogen levels in females, with particular emphasis on women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who use cosmetics containing these chemicals. This study employed a cross-sectional design to assess estrogen and progesterone levels in three groups: a control group with no exposure to EDC-containing cosmetics or PCOS, women with PCOS who use cosmetics containing EDCs, and women without PCOS who use such cosmetics. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. There was a statistically significant difference in serum estrogen levels across the three groups. Estrogen levels were significantly higher in PCOS cosmetic users (135.42 ± 12.17pg/ml) compared to controls (92.86 ± 8.63 pg/ml). There was a statistically significant increase (< 0.001) in the serum levels of estrogen between cosmetic users without PCOS (128.67 ± 10.94 pg/ml) and the control (92.86 ± 8.63 pg/ml). There was a statistically significant increase (p= 0.041) in the serum levels of estrogen in cosmetic users with PCOS compared with cosmetic users without PCOS. The findings indicate that exposure to EDCs correlates with significant hormonal disruptions, particularly increased estrogen and progesterone levels in PCOS patients. This suggests a potential relationship between cosmetic use, PCOS, and hormone levels. There is need for women to choose safer cosmetic products devoid of EDCs, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Further research should be done the assess the impact of EDCs on other female hormonal levels.