Effects of triclosan exposure on menstruation and ovarian reserve in women

Objective To investigate the potential effects of triclosan (TCS) on menstruation and ovarian reserve in women. Methods A total of 480 women who sought fertility treatment for male factors or tubal obstruction were recruited from three reproductive centers in three provinces in China (Women’s Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Hospital for Reproductive Affiliated to Shandong University). TCS concentrations were quantified in urine. Baseline reproductive hormones and antral follicle count (AFC) were measured on the 2nd-3rd day of menstruation. Results The concentration of TCS was 1.65 (0.63-4.98) ng/mg creatinine detected in 90.7% of women. TCS concentrations were associated with increased risk of abnormal menstrual cycle (adjust-OR=1.15; 95% CI=1.00-1.32), mainly due to prolonged menstrual cycle. TCS concentration was positively associated with prolactin level but negatively with antral follicle count. Conclusion TCS concentration was positively associated with secretion of prolactin, increased risk of menstruation abnormality and decreased antral follicle count. But further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm the causal relationship. Key words: Triclosan; Menstruation; Antral follicle count; Prolactin