A study published on January 25 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that heavy metals may have a diminishing effect on ovarian reserve for women nearing the final menstrual period (FMP).
Conducted by Dr. Ning Ding and colleagues from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, the research explored the connections between heavy metals and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a recognized marker of ovarian reserve. The study involved 549 women from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, with 2,252 repeated AMH measurements taken over the 10-year period leading up to the FMP. High-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to measure urinary concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead.
The findings indicated that women in the highest tertile of urinary arsenic or mercury concentrations, compared to the lowest tertile, exhibited lower AMH concentrations at the FMP even after adjusting for confounding factors. Specifically, there was a percentage change of -32.1 and -40.7 for arsenic and mercury, respectively. Furthermore, accelerated rates of AMH decline over time were observed in connection with higher cadmium and mercury concentrations, with a percent change per year of -9.0 and -7.3, respectively.
The researchers highlight the potential implications of their findings, suggesting that this information could aid in addressing adverse health outcomes linked to heavy metals and changes in reproductive hormones. Such outcomes may include premature menopause, bone loss, increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and vasomotor symptoms.
This study sheds light on a previously underexplored area, offering insights into how heavy metal exposure may impact women’s ovarian reserve during a crucial phase in their reproductive journey.
