Press Release

Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals: Early Menopause One of Many Associations

Washington, DC February 02, 2015

Thursday, multiple media outlets reported on an article in PLOS ONE, which identified 15 chemicals that may be linked to early onset of menopause. The chemicals in question, including phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are known endocrine-disruptors (EDC) or chemicals that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action.

Previous studies have shown the EDCs can impact male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology.

Endocrine Society member and editor-in-chief of Endocrinology, Andrea Gore, PhD, is an expert on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and available to speak with members of the media on EDCs and early menopause, as well as other health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. Dr. Gore is also Johnson & Johnson Centennial Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin.

  • How can chemicals found inside the home impact onset of menopause?
  • What are the primary sources of exposure to these chemicals?
  • Are these potentially harmful chemicals properly screened and regulated?
  • Why does there seem to be a lack of agreement on the potential harm of these chemicals?
  • What can we do to limit our exposure to these chemicals?

WHO: Endocrine Society Spokeswoman Andrea Gore, PhD, Johnson & Johnson Centennial Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin

CONTACT: To schedule interviews, please contact Aaron Lohr at [email protected] or 202-971-3654.

About Endocrine Society

Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.

The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses, and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endocrine.org. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheEndoSociety and @EndoMedia.

Media Contacts

Colleen Williams Senior Communications Manager, Public Relations Phone: (202)-971-3611 [email protected]

Jenni Glenn Gingery Director, Communications and Media Relations Phone: (202)-971-3655 [email protected]

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