-
Reproductive
abnormalities of the cervix, ovary and uterus
which can contribute to problems down the road such as with pregnancies.
-
Increased
risk
for menstrual irregularities, fallopian tube, cervical and uterine
defects and increased risk of endometriosis, adenomyosis, cysts and
fibroids.
-
At
an increased risk for abnormal cell changes
on the cervix and adenosis (abnormal
cellular change) of the vagina.
-
More
autoimmune problems such as Lupus, arthritis, diabetes,
asthma, chronic respiratory infections and other diseases suggesting
impaired immune function.
-
Increased
risk for indirect and/or irreversible genetic
damage through various methods, such as demethylation (which
makes leaks in the signaling system), that would lay the groundwork
for cancers later in life.
-
Increased
risk for elevated levels of prolactin,
a hormone that stimulates tumor growth factors (when not elevated
due to breast feeding). Increased prolactin may also indirectly elevate
estrogen. High prolactin levels are suspected to play a role in some
breast cancers.
-
Some
subset populations of women may be
more prone to
breast and ovarian cancer later in life due to exposure to hormone
disruptors in the womb and during youth when breast cells are most
immature and more prone to damaging signals.
-
It
remains to be seen if hormone disruptors will be found to play a role
in menopause and cognition in senior citizens.
-
Studies on DES daughters suggest a
possible link between in utero exposure and disorders or
events in life such as anorexia, sexual choices, masculine behavior,
and other personality traits.
Possible
health effects from exposure to hormone disruptors: