Lead, Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Outcomes
Lead, Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Outcomes
This prospective cohort study of 400 lead exposed and 400 non-lead exposed women and their
 husbands assesses endocrine dysfunction and adverse reproductive outcomes. Residing in two
 study areas in Shenyang, China, the women are married, 20 and 34 years of age, never smokers,
 have obtained permission to have a child, and have attempted to become pregnant over the
 course of the study. Lead exposure is defined by lead levels in blood samples collected at
 the baseline survey (both women and their husbands), first and second trimesters, and at
 delivery (both maternal and cord blood). Endocrine dysfunction is monitored by urinary
 hormone metabolites including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH),
 estrone conjugates (E1C), and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG). Reproductive endpoints
 include menstrual disturbance, time to conception, spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery,
 and low birth weight.
married women who:

 -  currently reside in two study areas in Shenyang, China

 -  between 20 and 34 years of age

 -  never smokers

 -  have obtained permission to have a child

 -  are attempting to become pregnant over the course of the study.