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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
Perfluoroalkyl substances and ovarian hormone concentrations in naturally cycling women
Emily S Barrett1, Chongshu Chen2, Sally W Thurston2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
Objective:
To examine associations between environmental exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and ovarian hormone concentrations in naturally cycling women.
Design:
E2 and P were measured in saliva samples collected daily for a single menstrual cycle and concentrations of PFASs (including perfluoroctane sulfonate [PFOS] and perfluoroctanoic acid) were measured in serum samples collected during the same cycle.
Setting:
Not applicable.
Patient(S):
A total of 178 healthy, naturally cycling women, aged 25-35 years.
Intervention(S):
None.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Mean follicular E2 (cycle days -7 to -1, where 0 is the day of ovulation); mean luteal P (cycle days +2 to 10).
Result(S):
Among nulliparous, but not parous women, PFOS concentrations were inversely associated with E2 (β = -0.025, 95% CI -0.043, -0.007) and P (β = -0.027, 95% CI -0.048, -0.007). Similar, but weaker results were observed for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. No associations were observed between other PFASs (including perfluoroctanoic acid) and ovarian steroid concentrations, nor were any associations noted in parous women.
Conclusion(S):
Our results demonstrate that PFOS and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid may be associated with decreased production of E2 and P in reproductive age women. These results suggest a possible mechanism by which PFASs affect women's health, and underscore the importance of parity in research on PFASs and women's reproductive health.
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