Endocrine Disruptors and Pregnancy Loss

Purpose of Review In modern society, we are exposed to a wide variety of manufactured chemical compounds, called “endocrine-disrupting chemicals” (EDCs). EDCs interact with hormone receptors and have a detrimental effect on reproduction, a complex and hormonally regulated process. Two widely prevalent groups of EDCs are bisphenols and phthalates. This review aims to evaluate and summarize current research on EDCs and their proposed relationship with increased rates of pregnancy loss. Recent Findings Most research focuses on one of many bisphenols, bisphenol A or BPA. Studies of BPA in animals have shown a causative effect on pregnancy loss even at low concentrations, likely through disruption of hormone receptor expression in the uterine lining that impedes implantation. Human studies have correlated levels of BPA exposure with pregnancy loss and suggest a role for synergistic effect of BPAs with other EDCs. Phthalate studies include multiple different metabolites that have variably been associated with pregnancy loss. The mechanism of phthalate effect on pregnancy loss appears to be through disruption of timing of implantation or cell apoptosis. In humans, a trend has been suggested between high levels of phthalate exposure and increased pregnancy loss. Summary Recent research supports an association between EDCs in the environment and pregnancy loss, particularly for BPAs, but the effect in humans is less well developed and studies appreciably limited. Further research is needed not only on the effect of these individual compounds on pregnancy loss but on which populations may be at greatest risk.