Endocrine System (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth

What Is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is made up of glands that make hormones. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They carry information and instructions from one set of cells to another.

The endocrine (EN-duh-krin) system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.

What Does the Endocrine System Do?

• Endocrine glands release
  hormonesinto the bloodstream. This lets the hormones travel to cells in other parts of the body.
• The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our organs work,
  metabolism, and reproduction.
• The endocrine system regulates how much of each hormone is released. This can depend on levels of hormones already in the blood, or on levels of other substances in the blood, like calcium. Many things affect hormone levels, such as stress, infection, and changes in the balance of fluid and minerals in blood.

Too much or too little of any hormone can harm the body. Medicines can treat many of these problems.

What Are the Parts of the Endocrine System?

While many parts of the body make hormones, the major glands that make up the endocrine system are the:

• hypothalamus
• pituitary
• thyroid
• parathyroids
• adrenals
• pineal body
• the ovaries
• the testes

The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system. That’s because it secretes hormones into the bloodstream, and makes and secretes enzymes into the digestive tract.

Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus (hi-po-THAL-uh-mus) is in the lower central part of the brain. It links the endocrine system and nervous system. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus make chemicals that control the release of hormones secreted from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus gathers information sensed by the brain (such as the surrounding temperature, light exposure, and feelings) and sends it to the pituitary. This information influences the hormones that the pituitary makes and releases.

Pituitary: The pituitary (puh-TOO-uh-ter-ee) gland is at the base of the brain, and is no bigger than a pea. Despite its small size, the pituitary is often called the “master gland.” The hormones it makes control many other endocrine glands.

The pituitary gland makes many hormones, such as:

• growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body’s handling of nutrients and minerals
• prolactin (pro-LAK-tin), which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding
• thyrotropin (thy-ruh-TRO-pin), which stimulates the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones
• corticotropin (kor-tih-ko-TRO-pin), which stimulates the adrenal gland to make certain hormones
• antidiuretic (an-ty-dy-uh-REH-tik) hormone, which helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidneys
• oxytocin (ahk-see-TOE-sin), which triggers the contractions of the uterus that happen during labor

The pituitary also secretes endorphins (en-DOR-fins), chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce feelings of pain. The pituitary also secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls
ovulationand the menstrual cycle in women.

Thyroid: The thyroid (THY-royd) is in the front part of the lower neck. It’s shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. It makes the thyroid hormones thyroxine (thy-RAHK-sin) and triiodothyronine (try-eye-oh-doe-THY-ruh-neen). These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to make energy. The more thyroid hormone there is in the bloodstream, the faster chemical reactions happen in the body.

Thyroid hormones are important because they help kids’ and teens’ bones grow and develop, and they also play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system.

Parathyroids: Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that work together called the parathyroids (par-uh-THY-roydz). They release parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin (kal-suh-TOE-nin), which the thyroid makes.

Adrenal Glands: These two triangular adrenal (uh-DREE-nul) glands sit on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which makes a set of hormones and has a different function:

1. The outer part is the adrenal cortex. It makes hormones called corticosteroids (kor-tih-ko-STER-oydz) that help control salt and water balance in the body, the body’s response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function.
2. The inner part is the adrenal medulla (muh-DUH-luh). It makes catecholamines (kah-tuh-KO-luh-meenz), such as epinephrine (eh-puh-NEH-frun). Also called adrenaline, epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body is under stress.

Pineal: The pineal (pih-NEE-ul) body, also called the pineal gland, is in the middle of the brain. It secretes melatonin (meh-luh-TOE-nin), a hormone that may help regulate when we sleep at night and wake in the morning.

Reproductive Glands: The gonads are the main source of sex hormones. In boys the male gonads, or testes (TES-teez), are in the scrotum. They secrete hormones called androgens (AN-druh-junz), the most important of which is
testosterone(tess-TOSS-tuh-rone). These hormones tell a boy’s body when it’s time to make the changes associated with puberty, like penis and height growth, deepening voice, and growth in facial and pubic hair. Working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also tells a boy’s body when it’s time to make sperm in the testes.

A girl’s gonads, the ovaries (OH-vuh-reez), are in her pelvis. They make eggs and secrete the female hormones
estrogen(ESS-truh-jen) and
progesterone(pro-JESS-tuh-rone). Estrogen is involved when a girl starts puberty. During puberty, a girl will have breast growth, start to accumulate body fat around the hips and thighs, and have a growth spurt. Estrogen and progesterone are also involved in the regulation of a girl’s menstrual cycle. These hormones also play a role in pregnancy.

Pancreas: The pancreas (PAN-kree-us) makes insulin (IN-suh-lin) and glucagon (GLOO-kuh-gawn), which are hormones that control the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Insulin helps keep the body supplied with stores of energy. The body uses this stored energy for exercise and activity, and it also helps organs work as they should.

What Can Help Keep the Endocrine System Healthy?

To help keep your child’s endocrine system healthy:

• Get plenty of exercise.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Go for regular medical checkups.
• Talk to the doctor before taking any supplements or herbal treatments.
• Let the doctor know about any family history of endocrine problems, such as diabetes or thyroid problems.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Let the doctor know if your child:

• drinks a lot of water but is still thirsty
• has to pee often
• has frequent belly pain or nausea
• is very tired or weak
• is gaining or losing a lot of weight
• has tremors or sweats a lot
• is constipated
• isn’t growing or developing as expected

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD

Date reviewed: October 2018

The Endocrine System – Psychology

Biopsychology

OpenStaxCollege

[latexpage]

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Identify the major glands of the endocrine system
• Identify the hormones secreted by each gland
• Describe each hormone’s role in regulating bodily functions

The endocrine system consists of a series of glands that produce chemical substances known as hormones ([link]). Like neurotransmitters, hormones are chemical messengers that must bind to a receptor in order to send their signal. However, unlike neurotransmitters, which are released in close proximity to cells with their receptors, hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, affecting any cells that contain receptors for them. Thus, whereas neurotransmitters’ effects are localized, the effects of hormones are widespread. Also, hormones are slower to take effect, and tend to be longer lasting.

The major glands of the endocrine system are shown.

Hormones are involved in regulating all sorts of bodily functions, and they are ultimately controlled through interactions between the hypothalamus (in the central nervous system) and the pituitary gland (in the endocrine system). Imbalances in hormones are related to a number of disorders. This section explores some of the major glands that make up the endocrine system and the hormones secreted by these glands.

The pituitary gland descends from the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, and acts in close association with it. The pituitary is often referred to as the “master gland” because its messenger hormones control all the other glands in the endocrine system, although it mostly carries out instructions from the hypothalamus. In addition to messenger hormones, the pituitary also secretes growth hormone, endorphins for pain relief, and a number of key hormones that regulate fluid levels in the body.

Located in the neck, the thyroid gland releases hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and appetite. In hyperthyroidism, or Grave’s disease, the thyroid secretes too much of the hormone thyroxine, causing agitation, bulging eyes, and weight loss. In hypothyroidism, reduced hormone levels cause sufferers to experience tiredness, and they often complain of feeling cold. Fortunately, thyroid disorders are often treatable with medications that help reestablish a balance in the hormones secreted by the thyroid.

The adrenal glands sit atop our kidneys and secrete hormones involved in the stress response, such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). The pancreas is an internal organ that secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar levels: insulin and glucagon. These pancreatic hormones are essential for maintaining stable levels of blood sugar throughout the day by lowering blood glucose levels (insulin) or raising them (glucagon). People who suffer from diabetes do not produce enough insulin; therefore, they must take medications that stimulate or replace insulin production, and they must closely control the amount of sugars and carbohydrates they consume.

The gonads secrete sexual hormones, which are important in reproduction, and mediate both sexual motivation and behavior. The female gonads are the ovaries; the male gonads are the testes. Ovaries secrete estrogens and progesterone, and the testes secrete androgens, such as testosterone.

Athletes and Anabolic Steroids

Although it is against Federal laws and many professional athletic associations (The National Football League, for example) have banned their use, anabolic steroid drugs continue to be used by amateur and professional athletes. The drugs are believed to enhance athletic performance. Anabolic steroid drugs mimic the effects of the body’s own steroid hormones, like testosterone and its derivatives. These drugs have the potential to provide a competitive edge by increasing muscle mass, strength, and endurance, although not all users may experience these results. Moreover, use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) does not come without risks. Anabolic steroid use has been linked with a wide variety of potentially negative outcomes, ranging in severity from largely cosmetic (acne) to life threatening (heart attack). Furthermore, use of these substances can result in profound changes in mood and can increase aggressive behavior (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2001).

Baseball player Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) has been at the center of a media storm regarding his use of illegal PEDs. Rodriguez’s performance on the field was unparalleled while using the drugs; his success played a large role in negotiating a contract that made him the highest paid player in professional baseball. Although Rodriguez maintains that he has not used PEDs for the several years, he received a substantial suspension in 2013 that, if upheld, will cost him more than 20 million dollars in earnings (Gaines, 2013). What are your thoughts on athletes and doping? Why or why not should the use of PEDs be banned? What advice would you give an athlete who was considering using PEDs?

The glands of the endocrine system secrete hormones to regulate normal body functions. The hypothalamus serves as the interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system, and it controls the secretions of the pituitary. The pituitary serves as the master gland, controlling the secretions of all other glands. The thyroid secretes thyroxine, which is important for basic metabolic processes and growth; the adrenal glands secrete hormones involved in the stress response; the pancreas secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar levels; and the ovaries and testes produce sex hormones that regulate sexual motivation and behavior.

The two major hormones secreted from the pancreas are:

1. estrogen and progesterone
2. norepinephrine and epinephrine
3. thyroxine and oxytocin
4. glucagon and insulin

D

The ________ secretes messenger hormones that direct the function of the rest of the endocrine glands.

1. ovary
2. thyroid
3. pituitary
4. pancreas

C

The ________ gland secretes epinephrine.

1. adrenal
2. thyroid
3. pituitary
4. master

A

The ________ secretes hormones that regulate the body’s fluid levels.

1. adrenal
2. pituitary
3. testes
4. thyroid

B

Hormone secretion is often regulated through a negative feedback mechanism, which means that once a hormone is secreted it will cause the hypothalamus and pituitary to shut down the production of signals necessary to secrete the hormone in the first place. Most oral contraceptives are made of small doses of estrogen and/or progesterone. Why would this be an effective means of contraception?

The introduction of relatively low, yet constant, levels of gonadal hormones places the hypothalamus and pituitary under inhibition via negative feedback mechanisms. This prevents the alterations in both estrogen and progesterone concentrations that are necessary for successful ovulation and implantation.

Chemical messengers are used in both the nervous system and the endocrine system. What properties do these two systems share? What properties are different? Which one would be faster? Which one would result in long-lasting changes?

Both systems involve chemical messengers that must interact with receptors in order to have an effect. The relative proximity of the release site and target tissue varies dramatically between the two systems. In neurotransmission, reuptake and enzymatic breakdown immediately clear the synapse. Metabolism of hormones must occur in the liver. Therefore, while neurotransmission is much more rapid in signaling information, hormonal signaling can persist for quite some time as the concentrations of the hormone in the bloodstream vary gradually over time.

Given the negative health consequences associated with the use of anabolic steroids, what kinds of considerations might be involved in a person’s decision to use them?

adrenal gland

sits atop our kidneys and secretes hormones involved in the stress response

diabetes

disease related to insufficient insulin production

endocrine system

series of glands that produce chemical substances known as hormones

gonad

secretes sexual hormones, which are important for successful reproduction, and mediate both sexual motivation and behavior

hormone

chemical messenger released by endocrine glands

pancreas

secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar

pituitary gland

secretes a number of key hormones, which regulate fluid levels in the body, and a number of messenger hormones, which direct the activity of other glands in the endocrine system

thyroid

secretes hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and appetite

Endocrine system – Medical Association “ONA”

The endocrine system ensures the stable operation of the human body in a constantly changing environment, its protection from stress.

The endocrine system includes the following main organs: hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, mammary gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (testes in men), gallbladder and appendix. ES organs are glands that provide growth, physiological development, reproductive functions of a person, as well as the course of the most important processes of balancing the activity of the whole organism under continuously changing external influences. Management of all this work and control over the correctness of its implementation is carried out in the body by hormones, which are produced by the glands of the ES. Each hormone is responsible for its own organs and functions, but works in a delicate balance with hormones produced by other glands. Depending on the function being performed at the moment, a different balance of hormones is required. Its failure causes disruption of the corresponding systems, organs, the flow of necessary reactions, which leads to the appearance of abnormalities in the body, and then diseases. Therefore, regular monitoring of hormonal levels is the key to the timely detection of violations and their curability. Another feature of ES should be noted: the interconnection and interdependence of its glands is so great that a violation found in one of the organs almost automatically means the presence of problems in others – after all, there is a hormonal failure.

Endocrine glands (EG) do not have excretory ducts, and the substances they secrete (hormones) enter directly into the blood and lymph. By sending hormones into the blood, EJs create a communication system and control the work of literally every cell in the body. Hormones provide its chemical balance, give the cells an indication of how to act, given their abilities and capabilities. The purpose of the EJ is to ensure the well-being of the whole organism, the balance in the work of internal organs, regardless of changes in the external environment, to protect the body from the destructive effects of stress.

Hypothalamus. Regulates the temperature reaction, establishes the correct ratio between heat release and heat transfer, controls the pituitary gland.

Pituitary gland. Manages the operation of the entire system. Incoming and outgoing messages are coordinated and make the ES work efficiently and harmoniously. The pituitary gland controls the body’s chemical balance by influencing most of the body’s chemical processes (for example, regulating water-salt and fat metabolism).

There is a constant need for the body to adapt to external changes, and this is also part of the task of the pituitary gland. The human body grows, wears out, and the pituitary gland is engaged in ensuring growth and repair. In addition, it provides reproductive function.

The pituitary gland performs its functions with the help of hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands. Those, in turn, secrete hormones that affect the pituitary gland itself and the nervous system. What happens in the body when the production of only one hormone is disrupted can be seen in the example of growth hormone. If it is produced more than the norm, a person becomes a victim of gigantism, if it is less than the norm, he remains a dwarf.

The pituitary gland is called the conductor of the ES, and sometimes its “brain”.

Thyroid. If the pituitary gland is the conductor of ES, then the thyroid gland (TG) is its metronome. It kind of sets the pace for all the cells of the body. The main function of the thyroid gland is to control the proper metabolism, the absorption of oxygen. It can speed up the metabolism if it increases the amount of hormones sent to the blood stream, or slow it down by reducing their amount. However, this does not happen, since its work is under the control of thyroid-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. And that, in turn, manages the thyroid hormone, which provides feedback to the pituitary gland. That is, between the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland, there is a self-regulating mechanism of balance and control, working in a certain cycle.

Normal thyroid function promotes growth, puberty, childbearing, mental development, emotional balance, vitality.

Adrenal glands. Their bark is actually a gland, also called adrenal. It produces adrenaline, which increases vascular tone and blood pressure. The adrenal cortex affects the performance of the body, its resistance to stress. Women’s adrenal glands also help the ovaries – they also produce sex hormones. Moreover, during menopause, when the ovaries stop their production.

Pancreas. It produces insulin, which enhances the process of burning glycogen in muscles, which proceeds with the release of energy.

Gallbladder. During stress, it releases bile, as a result of which the peristalsis of the small intestine increases, the rotting masses are quickly pushed into the large intestine, into the rectum. There is an accelerated release of toxins, thereby preventing their entry into the blood.

Appendix. At the moment of stress, the release of the hormone occurs, as a result of which the peristalsis of the large intestine increases and the rotting masses are released through the rectum (often this process is called “bear disease”).

Ovaries. In the broadest sense, the ovaries provide a woman with femininity. They perform this function with the help of two main hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone promotes fertility, while estrogen provides other signs of femininity, including the complex function of the menstrual cycle. And when the ovaries reduce its secretion, menopause occurs.

Hormones. This is a Greek word meaning “I excite,” “I set into action.” These are a kind of chemical messages, ordering the actions of certain organs. The hormone does not explain to the cells what kind of work they should do, but only determines how much and how quickly it should be done. Each hormone has its own controlled organs, but circulating through the body, it affects others, having a specific and general effect.

The pituitary gland produces three main hormones: gonadotropic (stimulates the ovaries and sex glands) and mammotropic or prolactin (affects the mammary glands, promotes the formation of milk after the birth of a child) and thyrotropic.

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones. Inside the body there are constant chemical processes. With their help, food and oxygen are processed and transformed into living matter, heat and energy are consumed, unnecessary residues are thrown away, and what wears out is reconstructed. Various chemical processes take place during respiration, digestion, in the work of muscles, in the secretion of glands. This is the metabolism for which the thyroid hormones are responsible.

The main adrenal hormone is adrenaline. Its functions can be reduced to three concepts: life, work, stress. It is involved in many metabolic processes, including fluid and salt balance, immunological reactions.

Along with progesterone and estrogen, the ovaries produce androgen, which ensures the balance of female and male sex hormones in the female body.

Important UN report examines the effects of human exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals

Significant UN report examines effects of human exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals

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• Significant UN report examines effects of human exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals

\n

Based on the new State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) , many synthetic chemicals that have not been studied to disrupt the hormonal system can lead to significant health effects.

\n

\n

\n

“We urgently need more research to gain a better understanding of the health and environmental impacts of endocrine disruptors.”

\n

\nDr Maria Neira, Director WHO Department of Public Health and Environment\n

\n

\n

\nThe collaborative study calls for more scientific research to better understand the links between chemicals, endocrine disruptors (ECDs), which are found in many household and industrial products, and certain diseases and disorders. The report notes that more complete assessments and improved testing methods will reduce potential disease risks and save significant public health costs.

\n

Some substances can alter the function of the hormonal system

\n

\nHuman health depends on a well-functioning endocrine system that regulates the release of certain hormones that are important for functions such as metabolism, growth and development, sleep and mood. Certain substances, known as endocrine disruptors, may alter the function(s) of the hormonal system, increasing the risk of adverse health effects. Some ECVD occur naturally, while synthetic varieties can be found in pesticides, electronic devices, personal care products, and cosmetics. They can also be found as additives or contaminants in foods.

\n

\nThe United Nations study, the most comprehensive report on CVD to date, highlights some links between CVD exposure and health problems, including the potential impact of such chemicals on the development of undescended testes in boys, breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, neurodevelopmental effects in boys, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children, and thyroid cancer.

\n

Different pathways of human exposure

\n

\nEHVRES can enter the environment mainly from industrial and municipal waste, agricultural waste, and during the incineration and disposal of garbage. A person can be exposed through ingestion of food, dust and water, inhalation of gases and fine particles in the air, and skin contact with these substances.

\n

\n “Chemicals are increasingly used in modern life and are an important part of the national economy of many countries, but the mismanagement of chemicals threatens the achievement of basic development goals and sustainable development for all,” said UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

\n

\n”Investment in new testing methods and research can help better understand the costs of CVD exposure and reduce risks, while maximizing benefits and offering smarter options and alternatives appropriate for the transition towards a green economy,” added Mr. Steiner.

\n

More research needed

\n

\nIn addition to exposure to chemicals, other environmental and non-genetic factors, such as age and nutrition, may be responsible for the observed increase in the incidence of diseases and disorders. But due to large gaps in knowledge, it is extremely difficult to determine the exact causes and consequences.

\n

\n“More research is urgently needed to gain a better understanding of the impact of endocrine disruptors on health and the environment,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director of the WHO Department of Public Health and the Environment. “Recent scientific evidence shows that communities in different parts of the world are being affected by EDC and associated risks. WHO will work with partners to prioritize research to explore links between EDC and health outcomes to mitigate risks. The responsibility to protect future generations lies with all of us.”

\n

\nThe report also notes that there are similar concerns about the impact of EDC on wildlife. In Alaska in the United States of America, exposure to such chemicals in some deer populations can lead to reproductive disorders, infertility and deformed antlers. Declining populations of otters and sea lions may also be partly due to exposure to various PCB compounds, the insecticide DDT, other persistent organic pollutants and metals such as mercury. At the same time, bans and restrictions on the use of EWRES are associated with the restoration of wild animal populations and a decrease in health problems.

\n

Recommendations

\n

\nThe study makes a number of recommendations to improve global knowledge of these chemicals, reduce potential disease risks and reduce their costs. These recommendations include the following:

\n

\n
• Testing: Known EDCs are only the tip of the iceberg, and more in-depth testing methods are needed to identify other possible endocrine disruptors, their sources, and routes of exposure.

\n

• Scientific research: More scientific evidence is needed to determine the consequences of the increasing exposure of humans and wildlife to EDC mixtures (mainly from industrial waste).

\n

• Reporting: many sources of EDC are unknown due to insufficient reporting and information on chemicals contained in products, materials and commodities.

\n

• Collaboration: Increasing data sharing between scientists and between countries can help fill data gaps, mainly in developing and emerging market economies.

\n

\n

\n“Great advances have been made in the field of scientific research over the past ten years, indicating that endocrine disorders are much more common and more complex than was thought a decade ago,” said Ake Bergman. , professor at Stockholm University and editor-in-chief of the report. “As science advances, both the management of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and continued research on the effects of these chemicals on wildlife and humans and the consequences of such exposures need to be ensured.”

\n

For more information contact:

\n

\nNick Nuttall
\nUNEP Spokesperson and Communications Director
\nTel: +41 79 596 5737 / +254 733 632 755
\nEmail Email: [email protected]

\n

\nGlenn Thomas
\nCommunication Officer, Department of Communications, WHO,
\nTel: +41 22 791 3983
\nMobile: +41 79 509 0 677
\nEmail Email: [email protected]

\n

\nNada Osseiran
\nCommunication Officer, Public Health and Environment
\nTel: +41 22 791 4475
\nMobile: +41 79 445 1624
\nE-mail email: [email protected]

\n

“,”datePublished”:”2013-02-19T00:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn. who. int/media/images/default-source/imported/chemical-safety.jpg?sfvrsn=851f4243_2″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,” logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}} ,”dateModified”:”2013-02-19T00:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/ru/news/item/19-02-2013-effects-of-human-exposure-to-hormone- disrupting-chemicals-examined-in-landmark-un-report”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};

According to the new State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), many synthetic chemicals that have not been studied to disrupt the hormonal system can lead to significant health effects.

“We urgently need more research to gain a better understanding of the health and environmental impacts of endocrine disruptors.”

Dr Maria Neira, Director WHO Department of Public Health and the Environment

The collaborative study calls for more research to better understand the links between endocrine disrupting chemicals (ECDs), found in many household and industrial products, and certain diseases and disorders. The report notes that more complete assessments and improved testing methods will reduce potential disease risks and save significant public health costs.

Some substances may alter the function of the hormonal system

Human health depends on a well-functioning endocrine system that regulates the release of certain hormones that are important for functions such as metabolism, growth and development, sleep and mood. Certain substances, known as endocrine disruptors, may alter the function(s) of the hormonal system, increasing the risk of adverse health effects. Some ECVD occur naturally, while synthetic varieties can be found in pesticides, electronic devices, personal care products, and cosmetics. They can also be found as additives or contaminants in foods.

The UN study, which is the most comprehensive report on ECDC to date, highlights some of the links between ECEC exposure and health problems, including the potential impact of such chemicals on the development of undescended testicles in boys, breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, neurodevelopmental effects in boys, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children, and thyroid cancer.

Various pathways of human exposure

EDCs can enter the environment mainly from industrial and municipal waste, agricultural waste, and from the incineration and disposal of garbage. A person can be exposed through ingestion of food, dust and water, inhalation of gases and fine particles in the air, and skin contact with these substances.

“Chemicals are increasingly used in modern life and are an important part of the national economy of many countries, but the mismanagement of chemicals threatens the achievement of major development goals and sustainable development for all,” said UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNEP Achim Steiner.

“Investing in new testing methods and research can help better understand the costs associated with the impact of EDC and reduce risks, while maximizing benefits and offering smarter options and alternatives in line with the transition to a green economy,” added Mr. Mr Steiner.

More research needed

In addition to exposure to chemicals, other environmental and non-genetic factors, such as age and nutrition, may be responsible for the observed increase in the incidence of diseases and disorders. But due to large gaps in knowledge, it is extremely difficult to determine the exact causes and consequences.

“To gain a better understanding of the impact of endocrine disruptors on health and the environment, we urgently need more research,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director of the WHO Department of Public Health and the Environment. “Recent scientific evidence shows that communities in different parts of the world are being affected by EDC and associated risks. WHO will work with partners to prioritize research to explore links between EDC and health outcomes to mitigate risks. The responsibility to protect future generations lies with all of us.”

The report also notes that there are similar concerns about the impact of EDC on wildlife. In Alaska in the United States of America, exposure to such chemicals in some deer populations can lead to reproductive disorders, infertility and deformed antlers. Declining populations of otters and sea lions may also be partly due to exposure to various PCB compounds, the insecticide DDT, other persistent organic pollutants and metals such as mercury. At the same time, bans and restrictions on the use of EWRES are associated with the restoration of wild animal populations and a decrease in health problems.

Recommendations

The study makes a number of recommendations for improving global knowledge of these chemicals, reducing potential disease risks and associated costs. These recommendations include the following:

• Testing: Known EDCs are only the tip of the iceberg, and more in-depth testing methods are needed to identify other possible endocrine disruptors, their sources, and routes of exposure.
• Scientific studies: more scientific evidence is needed to determine the consequences of the increasing exposure to EDC mixtures (mainly from industrial waste) on humans and wildlife.
• Reporting: many sources of EDC are unknown due to insufficient reporting and information on chemicals contained in products, materials and commodities.
• Collaboration: Increasing data sharing between scientists and between countries can help fill data gaps, mainly in developing and emerging market economies.