Perimenarchal air pollution exposure and menstrual disorders

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Epidemiology
• Environmental Health Science
• Women's Health

Background:

• Menstrual cycle regularity is crucial for reproductive health and influenced by hormonal balance.
• Particulate matter air pollution (PM) has demonstrated endocrine-disrupting properties.
• The relationship between air pollution exposure and menstrual cycle regularity remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between perimenarchal exposure to total suspended particulate (TSP) air pollution and menstrual irregularity phenotypes.
• To examine the impact of TSP exposure on the time to achieve menstrual cycle regularity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing data from 34,832 participants in the Nurses' Health Study II.
• Annual average TSP exposure data for each year of high school attendance was collected.
• Menstrual irregularity phenotypes and time to cycle regularity were assessed via questionnaires, with analyses adjusted for potential confounders.

Main Results:

• Increased odds of moderate (1.08), persistent (1.08), and persistent with androgen excess (1.10) menstrual irregularity phenotypes were observed for every 45 μg/m3 increase in TSP.
• TSP exposure was associated with a longer time to menstrual cycle regularity, particularly in women with older age at menarche and those residing in the Northeast or West regions.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent and early adulthood exposure to TSP air pollution may be significantly associated with menstrual irregularity phenotypes and delayed cycle regularity.
• Findings suggest environmental air quality is a critical factor influencing reproductive health trajectories in women.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and long-term implications of air pollution on female reproductive health.