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KMID : 0895420030130030273
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Enviromental Hygiene
2003 Volume.13 No. 3 p.273 ~ p.280
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Effects of organic solvents on the Menstrual Cycle in female workers
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Yang Chul-Yong
Lee Chae-Un
Moon Deog-Hwan
Kim Dae-Hwan
Lee Chae-Kwan
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Abstract
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Organic solvent is one of the most prevalent sources of chemical exposure among female workers. In previous studies, higher rates of spontaneous abortion, reduced fertility and menstrual disorder among women have been associated with a wide variety of chemical agents. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of occupational organic solvents exposure on the menstrual function of female workers. Rates of menstrual disorders were studied in 187 female workers with exposure to organic solvent including the shoes manufacturing industry and compared with 183 control female workers who had no exposure to organic solvents. Detailed menstrual and reproductive histories were obtained by personal interview using structured questionnaire, and plasma concentrations of progesterone and estrogen were analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The rates for menstrual irregularity was higher in organic solvent exposure group than non-exposure group. However, menstrual duration, blood clot in menstrual flow and dysmenorrhea were not significantly difference in both groups. Number of using menstrual pad was significantly higher in the exposed group than non-exposed group (P<0.05). Plasma level of progesterone during 6-11th, 17-28th day of menstrual cycle was significantly lower in the exposed group than non-exposed group (P<0.05). Plasma level of estrogen during 17-22th day of menstrual cycle was also significantly lower in the exposed group than non-exposed group (P<0.05). All of these results suggest that occupational organic solvents exposure decreased the progesterone and estrogen levels. And these effects can leads to the menstrual disorder in female workers. But this fact is contestable because other behavioral, psychological and work related factors may also affect to the menstrual function.
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KEYWORD
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female workers, organic solvents, menstrual cycle, estrogen, progesterone
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