Pollution and endometriosis: A deep dive into the environmental impacts on women's health

Alexandre Vallée, Pierre‐François Ceccaldi, Pierre-François Ceccaldi, Marie Carbonnel, Anis Feki, Anis Féki, Jean-Marc Ayoubi, Jean‐Marc Ayoubi
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2023 · vol. 131(4) , pp. 401–414 · doi:10.1111/1471-0528.17687 · PMID:37814514 · W4387473078
review OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 11 in-corpus citations
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08 ⓘ

This review explores how endocrine-disrupting chemicals in air and water pollution, along with occupational exposures, contribute to endometriosis by causing hormonal imbalances and inflammation.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The interaction between pollution and endometriosis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The impact of pollution, particularly air and water pollution, or occupational hazards, on hormonal disruption and the initiation of endometriosis remains a major issue. OBJECTIVES: This narrative review aims to delve into the intricate connection between pollution and endometriosis, shedding light on how environmental factors contribute to the onset and severity of this disease and, thus, the possible public health policy implications. DISCUSSION: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in pollutants dysregulate the hormonal balance, contributing to the progression of this major gynaecological disorder. Air pollution, specifically PM2.5 and PAHs, has been associated with an increased risk of endometriosis by enhancing chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. Chemical contaminants in water and work exposures, including heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs, disrupt the hormonal regulation and potentially contribute to endometriosis. Mitigating the environmental impact of pollution is required to safeguard women's reproductive health. This requires a comprehensive approach involving stringent environmental regulations, sustainable practices, responsible waste management, research and innovation, public awareness, and collaboration among stakeholders. CONCLUSION: Public health policies have a major role in addressing the interaction between pollution and endometriosis in a long-term commitment.

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Condition tags

mesh:D004715endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Air Pollution Air Pollution Air Pollution Air Pollution Air Pollution Air Pollution Air Pollution Air Pollution Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Environmental Pollutants Environmental Pollutants Environmental Pollutants Environmental Pollutants

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (100)

Cited by (11)

Source provenance

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK