Early life exposure to estrogen-mimics increase the occurrence of uterine fibroids via expansion of myometrial stem cell population

Abstract

Experimental animal studies have shown that exposure of target tissues to xenoestrogens (XEs) during sensitive periods of development can increase risk of disease in adult life, a process known as developmental reprogramming. Normal uterine myometrium is sensitive to ovarian hormones, making it a potential target for XEs. Developmental exposures to XEs have been shown to cause alterations the epigenetic programming of exposed myometrial cells, increasing risk for development of uterine fibroids.