hormonedepleting

Hormone-depleting refers to substances or environmental factors that can interfere with the endocrine system, potentially leading to reduced levels or altered function of hormones. This disruption can affect various bodily processes regulated by hormones, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood.

The term is often associated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are exogenous substances or mixtures that alter the function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently may cause adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations. These chemicals can mimic natural hormones, block their effects, or interfere with hormone production, transport, metabolism, and excretion.

Examples of substances that have been investigated for their potential hormone-depleting effects include certain pesticides, plasticizers like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and some industrial chemicals. Environmental exposure to these compounds can occur through diet, contaminated water or air, consumer products, and occupational settings.

Research into hormone depletion is ongoing, with scientists working to identify specific substances, understand their mechanisms of action, and assess their impact on human and wildlife health. The complexity of the endocrine system and the multifactorial nature of hormone regulation mean that accurately defining and measuring "hormone-depleting" effects can be challenging. The focus is generally on identifying substances that can cause significant and measurable disruptions to hormonal balance and consequently lead to adverse health outcomes.