Association of Blood Lead Levels in Relation to Reproductive Hormones Among Healthy Postmenopausal Women.

Dr. Dipankar Bhattacharyya; Dr Ipsita Mazumdar; Prof Krishnajyoti Goswami

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2018

Association of Blood Lead Levels in Relation to Reproductive Hormones Among Healthy Postmenopausal Women.

Dr. Dipankar Bhattacharyya, Dr Ipsita Mazumdar, Prof Krishnajyoti Goswami

Abstract :

Lead (Pb) is pervasive in the environment and highly toxic for humans, with most adults having measurable levels in their blood. Some epidemiologic studies in peri– and post– menopausal women have suggested thatPb alter hormone levels, as an environment disrupting chemical and reproductive toxin that primarily represent current exposures to Pb through various sources. It has been associated with altered steroidogesis, gonadotrophin binding and decreased serum gonadotrophin levels, altered follicular growth and maturation. It can also stimulate the Estrogen (E₂) receptor by interacting with amino acids at the receptor binding site and produce estrogenic changes.

The present study estimates associations between blood Lead level and reproductive hormones among healthy peri– and post– menopausal women. A total of 279 participants were enrolled. Blood was analysed for Pb and hormonal estimation of E₂, LH, FSH, TT and SHBG levels. Blood Pb levels were significantly and positively correlated with serum FSH, LH and SHBG, TT and E₂ levels in postmenopausal women exposed over a period of time.