Exposure to Heavy Metals Linked to Lower Egg Count in Women

Exposure to toxic metals commonly found in drinking water, air and food may harm a woman’s ovaries, a new study finds.

Researchers say the metals appear to cause early aging of the ovaries in middle-aged women.

The study included 540 women who were transitioning to menopause and had evidence of heavy metals… including arsenic, cadmium, mercury or lead… in their urine samples.

The researchers reviewed data from AMH blood tests taken up to 10 years before the participants’ final periods.

AMH, or Anti-Mullerian hormone, is produced in ovarian follicles and corresponds to a person’s egg count.

The results showed women with higher metal levels in their urine had less AMH… indicating fewer eggs in reserve.

One study author says, "Widespread exposure to toxins in heavy metals may have a big impact on health problems linked to earlier aging of the ovaries in middle-aged women, such as hot flashes, bone weakening and osteoporosis, higher chances of heart disease and cognitive decline.”

He says more research is needed in younger women to explore the potential role of chemicals in infertility.