Exposure to heavy metals and hormone levels in midlife women Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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Menopause
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study examined the associations between urinary heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, and the levels of key sex hormones (estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin) in midlife women. The research used data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multi-ethnic cohort of women aged 45-56 years, followed over several years. The focus was on understanding how environmental exposures to heavy metals might influence hormone profiles during the menopausal transition, a critical period of reproductive aging, which can have long-term health implications for women, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic disorders.
Who was studied?
The study included 1,355 women from the SWAN cohort, representing a diverse range of racial and ethnic groups, including White, Black, Chinese, and Japanese women. Participants were aged 45-56 years at baseline (1999-2000). The analysis focused on midlife women who were followed through their menopausal transition, with hormone levels repeatedly measured up until 2017. Urinary metal concentrations were assessed at baseline, and serum hormone levels were measured annually. The cohort included women from different geographic locations across the U.S., providing insights into how environmental exposures affect sex hormone levels across various populations.
Most important findings
The study found that exposure to heavy metals significantly influenced hormone levels in midlife women. Specifically, a doubling in urinary mercury and lead concentrations was associated with lower estradiol (E2) levels by 2.2% and 3.6%, respectively. Additionally, higher lead concentrations were associated with higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, by 3.4%. Cadmium exposure was linked to increased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) by 3.6%. However, no significant association was found between metals and testosterone levels. The joint effects of metal mixtures showed a negative association with E2 and a positive association with FSH. The study also noted that the associations were stronger in early and late perimenopausal stages.
Key implications
The findings of this study highlight the significant role that environmental heavy metals can play in altering sex hormone levels during midlife, a crucial period for women’s health. The associations between higher lead and mercury concentrations with reduced estradiol levels and increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels suggest that metal exposure may accelerate ovarian aging, a factor that could impact menopause timing and related health risks, such as cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. The study emphasizes the need for public health strategies to minimize heavy metal exposure and further underscores the importance of monitoring environmental toxins as part of women’s healthcare during midlife.
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.