Skip to main content

Endocrine Disruptors

Meaning

Endocrine disruptors are exogenous chemicals or mixtures that interfere with any aspect of hormone action, including synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination. These agents can mimic or block the effects of endogenous hormones, leading to inappropriate physiological responses. Clinically, exposure to these compounds is associated with adverse health outcomes affecting reproductive, metabolic, neurological, and immune systems. Identifying and mitigating exposure is a key aspect of preventive endocrinology.