Phthalates potentially alter levels of a pregnancy hormone that influences sex development
Thursday, March 5, 2015 - 15:00
in Health & Medicine
Exposure to hormone-altering chemicals called phthalates -- which are found in many plastics, foods and personal care products -- early in pregnancy is associated with a disruption in an essential pregnancy hormone and adversely affects the masculinization of male genitals in the baby, according to new research. The findings focus on the role of the placenta in responding to these chemicals and altering levels of a key pregnancy hormone.