Survey study, 2001
Are synthetic fragrances linked to hormone problems in women?
Yes. Two types of synthetic fragrances (musk xylene and musk ketone) were found in nearly all blood samples of women with hormone and ovary problems. They may disrupt how the brain controls the ovaries, but more research is needed to confirm they cause the problems.
What they did
Blood samples from 152 women who attended an endocrinology clinic between 1994 and 1996 were tested for five types of synthetic fragrances using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
What they found
Musk xylene was detected in 95% of samples and musk ketone in 85%. The typical level of musk xylene was 65.5 ng/L with a high of 1183 ng/L. Musk ketone levels were typically 55.5 ng/L with a high of 518 ng/L. The other three fragrances were found in few women. Higher levels of these two fragrances were linked to different hormone and ovarian problems.
What it means for you
These fragrances may interfere with how the brain controls the ovaries, which could explain some hormone problems. However, this study only included women who already had problems, so we cannot know if the fragrances caused the problems or just happen to be present. More research is needed.
95%
of women with musk xylene in blood
85%
of women with musk ketone in blood
1183 ng/L
highest musk xylene level found
About the study
- Original title
- Nitromusk compounds in women with gynecological and endocrine dysfunction
- Authors
- Eisenhardt S, Runnebaum B, Bauer K et al.
- Journal
- Environmental research
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 152
- What was tested
- None (observational study)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1006/enrs.2001.4302
Topics
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