According to an American study, phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors present in chemicals, are responsible for sleep disorders in postmenopausal women.
An American study on phthalates
Menopause is characterized by the sudden drop in hormones, which leads to the onset of various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats or sleep disturbances. In fact, more than 60% of postmenopausal women say they suffer from a sleep disorder. A worrying factor that increases the risk of falling into depression or suffering from serious health concerns. This phenomenon would be caused by phthalates, a plastic material derived from phthalic acid, identified as endocrine disruptor. A study published by The North American Menopause Society in their journal Menopause reveals that exposure to this substance, present in children’s plastic toys, food packaging, clothing and even cosmetic products, would be toxic to women.
Endocrine disruptors linked to sleep disorders
Exposure to phthalates could disrupt sleep hormones. The American study was carried out on 760 premenopausal or already menopausal women. The result obtained on urine samples indicates that phthalates have an influence on sleep: ” This study draws our attention to the possible role of phthalates in sleep disorders in pre- or already menopausal women, underlines Stéphanie Faubion, medical director of NAMS. More research on these endocrine disruptors and their interactions with hormones, sleep and mood in women is needed “. Studies are still to be carried out to confirm this theory, because other factors could come into play such as smoking.
