Pesticide use and menstrual cycle characteristics among premenopausal women in the Agricultural Health Study

摘要: Some pesticides are known, or suspected, to have hormonal ovotoxic effects that could compromise reproductive function. Certain reportedly alter the estrous cycle in animals. If exposure does adverse effects, changes menstrual might influence fecundability and risk of hormone-related disorders. The Agricultural Health Study is a prospective cohort investigation commercial private pesticide applicators spouses applicators, mainly farmers. Associations between use function were sought 3103 women who lived on farms Iowa North Carolina. women, 21 40 years age, premenopausal, not pregnant breast feeding, taking oral contraceptives. Self-administered questionnaires dealing with health completed at time enrollment 1993-1997. lifetime any hormonally active particular interest. Apparent associations features (cycle length, missed periods, intermenstrual bleeding) controlled for body mass index, current smoking status. Approximately 57% reported having mixed applied pesticide. A majority had done so 1 9 days per year. One third agents. Mixing applying type was associated increased length also fewer reports periods. Days tended correlate an chance long cycles Working fields correlated periods never pesticides. carbamate lesser irregular cycles. Herbicide lower likelihood short higher fumigants Whatever found persisted after controlling work-related physical activity. These findings, along toxicologic studies, suggest using certain may