A recent study examined glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides globally, and its potential relationship to hormone disruption during pregnancy. 

Scientists used data from 752 pregnant participants in the PROTECT birth cohort in Puerto Rico. Urine samples were collected at three points during pregnancy, at 18, 22, and 26 weeks’ gestation, along with blood samples to measure several hormones involved in pregnancy and fetal development.

Glyphosate and its primary metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), were detected in at least 70% of urine samples. Researchers found that higher levels of both compounds were associated with lower concentrations of estriol, an estrogen that supports placental function, uterine blood flow, and fetal development. Increases in AMPA specifically were associated with 10.6% lower estriol, while glyphosate was associated with 8.3% lower estriol.

The results align with previous research suggesting that glyphosate-based herbicides may interfere with endocrine signaling. It’s important to note that as an observational study, the results don’t definitively prove that glyphosate or AMPA caused the hormonal changes observed. The study also did not compare organic and conventional diets directly or identify the exact sources of glyphosate exposure. However, the findings contribute to growing evidence that glyphosate exposures may affect endocrine function during critical windows of development, especially during pregnancy. 

This study provides another reason to consider the public health value of organic systems. While more research is needed to understand the causal mechanism of exposure, and how these hormonal changes may affect pregnancy and child health outcomes, this study reinforces the importance of reducing exposure to toxic agricultural chemicals.

Photos by Suhyeon Choi and ManuelTheLensman on Unsplash