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Significant effects of mild endogenous hormonal changes in humans: considerations for low-dose testing
F Brucker-Davis1, K Thayer, T Colborn
1Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital de l'Archet 1, Nice, France. brucker-davis.f@chu-nice.fr
Environmental Health Perspectives
|March 17, 2001
Summary
Even minor hormonal shifts can cause significant health issues. This review highlights the importance of considering low-dose testing for endocrine-disrupting chemicals and sensitive health endpoints.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Human Physiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Hormonal changes occur throughout life, from puberty to aging.
- Physiological variations like the menstrual cycle impact health.
- Endocrine system adaptations serve as models for exogenous compound effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review adverse health effects from endogenous hormonal changes.
- To discuss borderline endocrine imbalances and gonadal imbalance.
- To emphasize low-dose testing for endocrine disruptors and sensitive endpoints.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hormonal changes and health effects.
- Analysis of physiological variations and adaptive changes.
- Examination of subclinical endocrine conditions and gonadal imbalance.
Main Results:
- Small hormonal fluctuations can lead to significant adverse health outcomes.
- Endocrine system responses to physiological changes inform exogenous chemical assessment.
- Borderline and subclinical endocrine imbalances have systemic effects.
Conclusions:
- The endocrine system may have no threshold for chemical interference.
- Low-dose testing for endocrine-disrupting chemicals is crucial.
- Sensitive endpoints like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease require attention.