Abstract

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, which involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, commonly in the pelvic region. The etiology of the disease is unclear, but multiple factors may contribute to its prognosis. Toxicological studies indicate that many chemicals are able to interfere with endocrine homeostasis, called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) like Bisphenol A, Phtalate, Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Dioxins. As well documented, endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease; therefore, environmental toxicants that either mimic estrogen or enhance estrogenic exposure in the endometrium are thought to increase the risk of endometriosis. The purpose of this mini-review is to provide an overview of epidemiological studies, which have evaluated the relationship between endometriosis and exposure to endocrine disruptors.