01Chemicals & hormones.
HormonesChemicals
EDC-2: The Endocrine Society’s second scientific statement (2015)
Reviewed the strongest evidence on how chemicals such as BPA, phthalates and pesticides affect hormone systems, including female reproduction and hormone-sensitive cancers, with developmental exposures of special concern.
Read the source →ChemicalsCancer
Hair straighteners and uterine cancer. Chang et al., JNCI (2022)
Among 33,000+ women followed about 11 years, frequent straightener users had roughly 2.5 times the risk of uterine cancer. By age 70, an estimated 1.6% of never-users versus 4.1% of frequent users. An association, not proof of cause.
Read the source →ChemicalsFibroids
Everyday-product chemicals and fibroid growth. PNAS (2022)
Chemicals found in everyday products activated fibroid growth in human cell models. Early, laboratory-stage evidence.
Read the source →Skin absorption
Hydrocortisone and testosterone absorption on the vulva and forearm. Oriba et al. (1996)
Absorption of hydrocortisone was significantly greater through vulvar skin than forearm skin in both pre- and post-menopausal women.
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02Conditions.
Fibroids
Epidemiology of uterine fibroids: a systematic review. Stewart et al., BJOG (2017)
Across 60 publications, Black race was the one factor consistently linked to a two- to three-fold higher risk of fibroids. Age, parity and other factors also matter.
Read the source →FibroidsLifestyle
Modifiable factors in fibroid development. Keizer et al. (2024)
In 33 studies, higher BMI was the strongest modifiable risk factor, while high fruit and vegetable intake and vitamin D were protective. More research is needed on existing fibroids.
Read the source →Endometriosis
ACOG’s first comprehensive endometriosis diagnosis guidance (2026)
Supports a clinical diagnosis from history, symptoms, exam and imaging so treatment can start without surgery. Diagnosis typically takes 4 to 11 years.
Read the source →EndometriosisChemicals
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and endometriosis: a systematic review (2021)
Most studies reviewed found an association between endometriosis and BPA or organochlorine pollutants such as dioxins, with some evidence for phthalates. Other appraisals call the evidence weak, so causation is unproven.
Read the source →PCOS
2023 International Evidence-based PCOS Guideline. Teede et al.
Backed by 39 organizations in 71 countries. Updates the diagnostic criteria and centers healthy lifestyle and emotional wellbeing. Evidence quality is mostly low to moderate.
Read the source →PCOSChemicals
Bisphenol A and PCOS: a systematic review. IJGO (2024)
A positive association between BPA and PCOS was found in 19 of 22 studies, mainly with high androgen levels. Associations, not proof of cause.
Read the source →PCOSChemicals
PCOS and endocrine disruptors: a systematic review. Life (2023)
Found an association of BPA with PCOS. Evidence for parabens and triclosan is limited, with only one study each and no significant association.
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03Screening.
Screening
Breast cancer screening. USPSTF (2024)
Recommends a mammogram every 2 years for women ages 40 to 74 at average risk.
Read the source →Screening
Cervical cancer screening. USPSTF (draft update, 2024)
Proposes screening ages 21 to 65: Pap tests every 3 years at 21 to 29, then HPV testing every 5 years from 30 to 65, with Pap or co-testing as alternatives.
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04Menopause.
Menopause
Menopause overview. Mayo Clinic
Average age 51. Perimenopause lasts 2 to 8 years, pregnancy is still possible, and treatments range from lifestyle changes to hormone therapy.
Read the source → 05Pregnancy & postpartum.
Preconception
Getting ready for pregnancy. March of Dimes
400 mcg of folic acid daily from at least one month before pregnancy through the first 12 weeks helps prevent neural tube defects.
Read the source →PregnancyChemicals
Endocrine disruption of prenatal phthalate exposure. Qian et al. (2020)
Links prenatal phthalate exposure to altered thyroid and sex hormone levels in mothers and children, and recommends steps to reduce exposure.
Read the source →PregnancyChemicals
Health Canada’s pregnancy biomonitoring study. CBC News (2014)
Phthalate metabolites turned up in over 95% of pregnant women’s urine samples. A researcher called the exposure widespread but low.
Read the source →PregnancyDiet
Diet and phthalate exposure. Maternal and Child Health Journal (2015)
Diet is a major source of exposure to certain phthalates, so food processing and packaging matter alongside clothing.
Read the source →Postpartum
Optimizing postpartum care. ACOG (2018)
Recommends contact within 3 weeks of birth and a comprehensive visit no later than 12 weeks, covering mood, recovery, contraception, sleep and chronic conditions.
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This library is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. A study’s findings may not apply to your situation. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your health.