---
title: Does exposure to phthalates (chemicals in plastics) affect menstrual cycle characteristics?
description: Possibly, but only slightly. Some phthalate metabolites were associated with shorter cycles and reduced bleeding duration, but most associations were weak or
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/phthalate-metabolites-in-urine-and-follicular-fluid-in-relation-to-menstrual-2024/
---

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- Does exposure to phthalates (chemicals in plastics) affect menstrual cycle characteristics?

Cohort study, 2024

# Does exposure to phthalates (chemicals in plastics) affect menstrual cycle characteristics?

Possibly, but only slightly. Some phthalate metabolites were associated with shorter cycles and reduced bleeding duration, but most associations were weak or absent. The evidence is limited.

 Moderate study design

441 women seeking fertility help

## What they did

Measured 8 phthalate metabolites in urine and follicular fluid samples from 441 women seeking fertility help. Asked women about menstrual cycle characteristics including length, flow, irregularity, and pain. Used statistical models to look for associations between chemical exposure and cycle characteristics.

## What they found

Higher MEHP (a phthalate metabolite) in urine was associated with 0.20 days shorter bleeding duration. MECPP and DEHP metabolites in follicular fluid were associated with shorter cycle length (1.92 and 1.87 days shorter, respectively). However, phthalates showed no clear associations with irregular cycles, dysmenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, or cycle length variation. Phthalate mixtures showed generally null associations with cycle characteristics.

## What it means for you

Some phthalates may slightly shorten menstrual cycles, but the effects are very small and inconsistent. The study was limited to women seeking fertility help, so may not represent all women. Most measures of cycle problems showed no link to phthalates.

441 women

Study participants

0.20 days

Shorter bleeding with higher MEHP

1.92 days

Shorter cycle with MECPP

## About the study

Original title Phthalate metabolites in urine and follicular fluid in relation to menstrual cycle characteristics in women seeking fertility assistance Authors Li J, Deng T, Rao W et al. Journal Environment international Year 2024 Study design Cohort study Participants 441 What was tested Environmental exposure to phthalates (chemicals measured in fluids) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.108362](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.108362)

## Topics

[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)

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