Influence of adverse environmental factors on premature ovarian failure

Abstract

Objective To study influence of adverse environmental factors on premature ovarian failure (POF), providing good preventive and health care concept for women, reducing the occurrence of POF. Methods From March 2008 to March 2013, a total of 60 cases of POF patients who were diagnosed as POF in out-patient clinic of Department of Reproductive Endocrinology in West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University were included into POF group. During the same period, a total of 60 cases who took physical examination in the same hospital with normal ovarian function were included into control group. Self-designedAdverse Environmental Factors Exposure Questionnairewas used to investigate both two groups. And the survey items included: ① exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (chemical factors), such as hair dye, cosmetics, interior decoration materials, cigarettes and alcohol; ② exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave ovens, induction cooker, mobile phones and computers. The exposure to adverse environmental factors between groups were analyzed by statistical methods. There were no significant differences between POF group and control group among age, occupation, age of menarche, menstrual history, obstetrical history and so on (P> 0.05). The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results The rate of exposure to chemical factors in POF group was significantly higher than that in control group, and there were significant differences(χ2=30.86, P<0.05); The rate of exposure to electromagnetic radiation in POF group was significantly higher than that in control group, and there were significant differences either (χ2=33.41, P<0.05). Conclusions Exposure to adverse environmental factors is likely to be one of the risk factors of POF. It is important for women to pay attention to adverse effects of environmental factors on POF, and actively avoid the adverse environmental factors in order to prevent occurrence of POF. Key words: Ovarian failure, premature; Questionnaires; Hazardous substances; Electromagnetic radiation; Adverse environmental factors; Women's health care