Heavy metals are potential ovarian toxicants

Human egg cells

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Exposure to metals like arsenic, cadmium and mercury linked to reduced egg production, earlier menopause for middle-aged women

Exposure to heavy metals is linked to lower egg count in women approaching menopause, according to new research led by a team at the University of Michigan (UM), US. The study examined how exposure to metals – including arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead – relates to concentrations of the ovarian reserve marker anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in middle-aged women.