Phthalates are a family of high-production volume industrial chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics. Some phthalates are regulated as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and reproductive toxicants based on adverse effects in the male. Potential effects in females are less understood although exposure levels can be higher in women compared to men. Here, we review the literature on the effects of phthalate exposures in adulthood on ovarian function and fertility in women. Experimental studies using cell cultures and rodents combined with human evidence from epidemiological studies suggest that phthalates pose a hazard to ovaries. Phthalates can disrupt follicle growth pattern, increase oxidative stress and cause follicle death. These effects could lead to infertility, faster depletion of ovarian reserve, and earlier reproductive senescence. However, more studies using more realistic exposure levels will be needed to properly assess the risks in women.

邻苯二甲酸盐是用于制造塑料的一系列高产量工业化学品。根据对男性的不良影响，一些邻苯二甲酸盐被列为内分泌干扰物 (EDC) 和生殖毒物。尽管与男性相比，女性的暴露水平可能更高，但对女性的潜在影响知之甚少。在这里，我们回顾了有关成年期邻苯二甲酸盐暴露对女性卵巢功能和生育能力影响的文献。使用细胞培养物和啮齿动物的实验研究结合流行病学研究的人类证据表明，邻苯二甲酸盐对卵巢构成危害。邻苯二甲酸盐会破坏卵泡的生长模式，增加氧化应激并导致卵泡死亡。这些影响可能导致不孕症、卵巢储备更快消耗和更早的生殖衰老。