Endocrine disruptors are chemical compounds found in many everyday products, including plastics, cosmetics, pesticides and certain food packaging materials. These substances can interfere with the functioning of the hormonal system and alter a range of biological processes.

According to Hurtado, there is increasing scientific evidence suggesting that sustained exposure to some of these compounds could accelerate ovarian ageing, bring forward the onset of menopause and intensify related symptoms. However, she emphasises that further research is still needed to better understand the extent to which environmental factors may influence women’s hormonal health. 

Habits to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors

“Menopause is a natural physiological process; however, both the age at onset and the intensity of symptoms may be influenced by various lifestyle and environmental factors,” explains Hurtado. In this respect, she notes that a better understanding of these factors may contribute both to prevention and to the development of new public health strategies.

To reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors, the researcher recommends adopting simple habits to minimise contact, such as avoiding heating food in plastic containers and choosing cosmetic products with fewer potentially harmful substances.

Dr Sara Hurtado carries out her teaching and research at UIC Barcelona in the field of nutrition and health, which focuses on generating scientific evidence to help improve prevention and quality of life across the population.

The full article, “Plastics, cosmetics and pesticides: do they affect the onset of menopause?”, can be read in The Conversation, where the researcher explores the key challenges facing this field of research in greater depth.