the impact of environmental chemicals on women’s reproductive health and the development of obstetric complications

We conducted a comprehensive study of the impact of industrial pollutants on the reproductive health of 520 women. the study included an assessment of clinical and demographic characteristics, hormonal status, ultrasound parameters, biochemical markers of toxic effects, and perinatal outcomes. we found that women working in conditions of increased chemical pollution have a frequency of menstrual irregularities of 45.9%, which is 3.1 times higher than in the control group. we observed a significant increase in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (by 32%) and prolactin (by 21%), as well as a decrease in estradiol levels (by 18%). the ovaries volume in the main group was 28% less than the control values, and the number of antral follicles decreased by 35%. concentrations of heavy metals in the blood of women in the main group significantly exceed safe levels: lead - 0.09±0.02 mg/l, cadmium - 0.06±0.01 mg/l, and mercury - 0.005±0.001 mg/l. in the main group, the time to conception was longer, and the infertility rate reached 23.5%. we have identified increased risks of obstetric complications: gestosis develops 2.1 times more often, and the threat of pregnancy termination is 1.8 times more common. the average weight of newborns decreases by 200 g. we have established a direct correlation between the level of environmental pollution and the frequency of reproductive health disorders (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). the data indicate the need for developing and implementing pre-conceptive training programs for women working in conditions of chemical pollution.