Toxic Threat: Glyphosate Linked to Female Infertility and Reproductive Disorders

disrupts hormones, damages the uterus and ovaries, and increases infertility risks. 

The Study Exposes Alarming Risks of the World’s Most Widely Used Herbicide

The study suggests that glyphosate may contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, two leading causes of infertility in women. With glyphosate use increasing globally, experts are now urging immediate action to regulate and reduce exposure to safeguard female reproductive health.

A Chemical Lurking in Everyday Life

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® and similar weed killers, is sprayed on crops, lawns, and public spaces. In the U.S. alone, over 240 million pounds of glyphosate are applied annually, making it nearly impossible to avoid.

People are exposed through:

• Food & Water – Residues found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and even drinking water.
• Air & Soil – Spraying disperses glyphosate into the environment.
• Skin Contact – Direct exposure from gardening or handling contaminated surfaces.

A 2022 study detected glyphosate in more than 80% of urine samples from U.S. adults and children, highlighting its widespread presence in human bodies.

How Glyphosate Wreaks Havoc on Female Reproductive Health

The study reviewed decades of research and identified several ways glyphosate harms fertility and increases reproductive health risks:

1. Pregnancy Complications

Glyphosate interferes with essential pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone, increasing the risk of:

• Miscarriages
• Preterm birth
• Fetal development issues

2. Uterine Damage

Glyphosate can alter the structure of the uterus, making it harder for embryos to implant. This disruption has been linked to:

• Endometrial hyperplasia (abnormal thickening of the uterine lining)
• Increased infertility risk
• Higher chances of early pregnancy loss

3. Ovarian Dysfunction

Studies show glyphosate exposure reduces the number and quality of eggs, leading to:

• Irregular ovulation
• Hormonal imbalances
• Lower chances of conception

4. Oxidative Stress & DNA Damage

Glyphosate increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause:

• Egg and embryo damage
• Hormonal disruptions
• Weakened immune function

Additionally, glyphosate can block zinc absorption, a mineral crucial for egg development and reproductive health.

5. Genetic Changes Passed to Future Generations

One of the study’s most alarming findings is glyphosate’s ability to alter gene expression (epigenetics), meaning:

• Pregnant women exposed to glyphosate may pass down reproductive issues to their children and grandchildren.
• These changes can increase disease risks for multiple generations.

6. Hormone Disruption

Glyphosate acts as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with estrogen production. This can:

• Affect menstrual cycles
• Disrupt ovulation
• Lead to conditions like PCOS and endometriosis

Regulatory Inaction and Growing Public Concern

Despite growing evidence, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to classify glyphosate as “safe”, even as lawsuits and independent studies link it to serious health risks.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has labeled glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” adding to concerns about its long-term effects on human health.

Experts argue that more stringent regulations are needed to protect women’s reproductive health and prevent future fertility crises.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Glyphosate

While it’s nearly impossible to avoid glyphosate completely, you can take proactive steps to lower your exposure:

• Choose organic foods – Organic crops are grown without glyphosate.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly – This removes surface residues.
• Filter drinking water – Some filtration systems can reduce glyphosate levels.
• Avoid chemical herbicides at home – Opt for natural weed control methods.
• Support organic farming initiatives – Encouraging sustainable agriculture can reduce glyphosate reliance.

A Call for Urgent Action

The study’s authors stress that glyphosate’s impact on female reproductive health is a “pressing public health issue.” They urge policymakers to:

• Fund further research into glyphosate’s long-term effects.
• Develop safer herbicide alternatives to protect fertility.
• Implement stricter regulations to limit human exposure.

With fertility rates declining and reproductive disorders on the rise, experts warn that the time to act is now—before glyphosate’s effects become irreversible for future generations.

Reference Link: https://www.alifehealth.com/press/us-fertility/