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.