These Common Chemicals Could Make Menopause Start Almost 4 Years Early
Are you in a hurry to start the onset of menopause? Most women would give a resounding “No!” to that question, but for many women, it may be inevitable. New research is out that there is a plethora of chemicals that we are exposed to in our homes and in the environment that may cause women to experience menopause much earlier than expected.
These surprising results came from an extensive research study that was published in the Plos One Magazine. Taking place over nine years, researchers analyzed 31,000 women who were enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Specimens of the women’s blood and urine were evaluated for the presence of 111 different endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC). These are chemicals that are present in the environment and that cause disruptions in the hormones that control reproduction, metabolism, and others.
As reported by the study, women with higher levels of EDC started menopause 1.9 to 3.8 years earlier than women who did not have high levels of EDC. In fact, the women with the highest amounts of EDC were more inclined to be menopausal than women with lower exhibition.
The 111 EDCs are found everywhere and include phthlates, which are found in plastic goods, pesticides, dioxins, which are found in pollution, and many others. It’s almost impossible to avoid some of these substances, especially since they are present in drinking water and the air we breathe, so trying to avoid them would be fruitless. Despite a ban on using these harmful elements in products, the chemicals are still around in the environment from not having been broken down fully.
Some women may not see the onset of early menopause being a big deal, but it means more than just the end of the menstrual cycle. It also means a drop in fertility rates and can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and other ailments. Moreover, other research has shown an increased incidence of breast cancer and changes in immune function due to these chemicals. If you are wondering how the chemicals affect males, the chemicals have also been linked to altered reproductive function and abnormal growth.
One piece of advice to limit your exposure to some of these EDCs is to read content labels. Also, just reducing your use of plastics could help in a big way too, as well as being aware of the chemicals you use to clean your house. Basically, knowledge is power in this type of situation.
This research may be alarming, but right now the studies are showing an associated risk. More research needs to be done in order to inform the public on how to take the necessary precautions.
