Women's Health - Endocrine Disrupters Flashcards
Q: What are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)?
A: Exogenous agents that interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, binding, action, or elimination of bodily hormones.
Q: Name some examples of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
A: BPA, PCBs, phthalates, heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic, mercury), pesticides, herbicides, fire retardants, dioxins, and certain drugs (e.g., NSAIDs). Tap water may also contain many of these.
Q: Why is it difficult to identify all EDC sources?
A: Many products lack chemical constituent declarations, and under 10% of the 75,000 chemicals in daily use have been toxicity tested.
Q: How do endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect the body?
A: They alter hormone receptor signalling, sex hormone production, secretion, and metabolism. They also induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and epigenetic alterations.
Q: What are some adverse health effects of endocrine disruptors?
A: Increased cancer risk, hormonal disorders (e.g., PCOS, early puberty, gynaecomastia), infertility, cognitive deficits, and obesity.
Q: What is a critical window of susceptibility for endocrine disruptors?
A: In utero, neonatally, in childhood, and during puberty.
Q: What are xenoestrogens?
A: A sub-category of EDCs structurally similar to oestrogen that can bind to oestrogen receptor sites, potentially causing hazardous outcomes.
Q: Give examples of xenoestrogens.
A: Pesticides, herbicides, dioxins, parabens, BPAs, phthalates, and preservatives.
Q: How do xenoestrogens bioaccumulate in the body?
A: They build up in the fat of meat, fish, dairy products, and human fat cells with age.
Q: What are the primary routes of exposure to xenoestrogens?
A: Mainly ingestion via food and drink, with small amounts inhaled or absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes.
Q: Why does commercial milk contribute to hormonal imbalances?
A: It contains E1, E2, and E3 steroid hormones, as well as IGF, PCBs, dioxins, insecticides, and bovine growth hormone, all of which add to the overall oestrogen load.
Q: Does choosing raw or organic milk significantly reduce hormone content?
A: No, choosing raw or organic milk makes little difference to hormone concentrations.
Q: What other hormones are present in dairy besides oestrogens?
A: IGF, PCBs, dioxins, insecticides, and bovine growth hormones.
Q: Why should dairy products be avoided in cases of hormonal imbalance?
A: They add to the overall oestrogen load, even if the amounts are deemed safe.
