The phthalates in hair relaxers are most likely to cause endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynecologic disease that is estrogen-dependent, meaning that women who have a high level of this hormone in their bodies are more likely to develop it. At least 11% of women across the country have endometriosis. Because the phthalates in chemical hair relaxers are endocrine-disrupting, they can easily interfere with the hormonal system, thereby causing the release of great concentrations of estrogen. A study from the medical journal Fertility and Sterility found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be involved in the development and severity of endometriosis. Researchers suggest that exposure to the following toxic agents from hair relaxers may increase endometriosis risk:
- heavy metals
- phthalates
- benzophenone
Several medical studies have established that di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) exposure is likely to cause endometriosis by increasing the production of the cells that lead to the disease. This phthalate is a probable carcinogen and was also found to be responsible for reproductive problems and infertility. A study from Reproductive Medicine and Biology mentions that sexually mature female rats exposed to DEHP showed a decrease in serum progesterone and delayed ovulation. Exposure to the phthalate affects endometrial cells in the following ways:
- cell invasion
- oxidative stress
- cell viability
- cell proliferation
Furthermore, researchers in two different studies found higher concentrations of butyl benzyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate in women with endometriosis compared to those in the control group. Therefore, numerous phthalates that might lurk in chemical hair relaxers can increase endometriosis risk. Lastly, a study from the journal Environmental Research found that most participants with endometriosis had detectable concentrations of phthalate metabolites in their bodies. Researchers observed a strong association between the urinary concentration of mono-(2-ethyl-5-hexyl) phthalate, which is the metabolite of DEHP, and endometriosis risk.
Exposure to heavy metals, especially cadmium, also has a connection with endometriosis, according to a recent study published in Science of the Total Environment. The researchers explored heavy metal concentrations in the blood and follicular fluid of over 600 women with and without endometriosis undergoing their first in vitro fertilization. Nearly all participants had traces of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in their blood and over 90% in their follicular fluid. These are some of the highlights of the study:
- in women with significant blood levels of cadmium, the endometriosis risk increased by 3 times
- in those with measurable cadmium levels in the follicular fluid, the endometriosis risk also increased by 3 times
- when causing endometriosis, cadmium might act via the estrogen receptors promoting endometrial cell proliferation and via oxidative stress
- when present in the follicular fluid, cadmium was the only heavy metal associated with a greater endometriosis risk
Between 20% and 50% of women who undergo infertility treatment have endometriosis, as this is one of the most common complications of the disease. Other noteworthy complications of endometriosis are:
- deep vein thrombosis
- pulmonary embolism
- severe bleeding inside the abdomen
- bowel, womb, or bladder damage
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- digestive problems
- cardiovascular disease
- breast cancer
- autoimmune diseases
Women struggling with endometriosis who also have a history of hair relaxer use are advised to get in touch with our skilled legal team, as they might be entitled to financial compensation from the manufacturers. The legal process is simple and fast, requiring only a few documents. Our attorneys will review your case to determine whether you can file a toxic hair relaxer claim with the companies whose products you used.
