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.
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