Xenobiotics and Female Infertility

Xenobiotic exposures can impact female fertility in humans in several ways. Much of the published research on xenobiotic impact on female infertility has concerned itself with the effects of pesticides. The effects, however, are just as applicable to other toxicants. Interference with any of the following six processes adversely impacts fertility  

Hormone synthesis. All hormones vary in chemical structure. Each is made via a multistep synthesis, every step of which can be impacted by xenobiotics. 

Hormone transport. Steroid hormones bind to carrier proteins and are transported in the blood stream to their required sites. At these sites, the hormones transfer to storage sites while they await release for use. When these carrier proteins are interfered with, the hormones are not delivered to the required sites. 

Hormone storage and release. Fora woman to be fertile, hormones must be stored and available for release at the precise time of need. Chemicals that block the storage sites or prevent their release once stored interfere with hormone availability. 

Thyroid function. Some xenobiotics reduce the quantities of circulating thyroid hormone levels. This can result in altered hormone metabolism. 

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