The hidden impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on endometrial and pregnancy health.

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that interfere with hormone signalling and are increasingly linked to adverse reproductive outcomes. This viewpoint highlights emerging evidence that EDC exposure disrupts both endometrial and placental function, contributing to disorders including endometriosis, endometrial cancer, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. We discuss the biological mechanisms underpinning these associations and the growing epidemiological evidence implicating EDCs in reproductive disease. Greater awareness, improved exposure assessment and continued translational research are needed to better understand the consequences of EDC exposure on the endometrium and reproductive health in order to inform strategies that reduce disease burden.