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Environmental estrogens. Endocrine disrupters or endocrine disruptors. Endocrine modulators. Ecoestrogens. Environmental hormones. Xenoestrogens. Hormone-related toxicants. Endocrine-active compounds. Phytoestrogens.
These terms describe endocrine disrupters ( endocrine disruptors ), the synthetic chemicals and natural plant compounds that may affect the endocrine system (the communication system of glands, hormones and cellular receptors that control the body's internal functions). Many of these substances have been associated with developmental, reproductive and other health problems in wildlife and laboratory animals. Some experts suggest these compounds may affect humans in similar ways.
Endocrine disrupters alter hormonal functions by several means.
Substances can:
- mimic or partly mimic the sex steroid hormones estrogens and androgens (the male sex hormone) by binding to hormone receptors or influencing cell signaling pathways. Those that act like estrogen are called environmental estrogens.
- block, prevent and alter hormonal binding to hormone receptors or influencing cell signaling pathways. Chemicals that block or antagonize hormones are labeled anti-estrogens or anti-androgens.
- alter production and breakdown of natural hormones.
- modify the making and function of hormone receptors.
Environmental estrogens are the most studied of all the endocrine disrupters. Natural compounds capable of producing estrogenic responses, such as the phytoestrogens, occur in a variety of plants and fungi. Many synthetic chemicals that also mimic estrogen are commercially manufactured for a specific purpose or produced as a byproduct.
Exposure to these substances occurs throughout our lives from food, air, water, soil, household products and probably through breast milk and during development in our mother's womb. The human health risks that may be associated with these low-level yet constant exposures are still largely unknown and highly controversial.
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