Washington, DC—Thursday, multiple media outlets reported on an article in PLOS ONE, which identified 15 chemicals that may be linked to early onset of menopause. The chemicals in question, including phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known endocrine-disruptors (EDC), or chemicals that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action.

Previous studies have shown the EDCs can impact male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology.

Endocrine Society member and editor-in-chief of Endocrinology, Andrea Gore PhD, is an expert on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and available to speak with members of the media on EDCs and early menopause as well as other health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals.Dr. Gore is also Johnson & Johnson Centennial Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin.

• How can chemicals found inside the home impact onset of menopause?• What are the primary sources of exposure to these chemicals?• Are these potentially harmful chemicals properly screened and regulated?• Why does there seem to be a lack of agreement on the potential harm of these chemicals?• What can we do to limit our exposure to these chemicals?

WHO: Endocrine Society Spokeswoman Andrea Gore, PhD Johnson & Johnson Centennial Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin

CONTACT: To schedule interviews, please contact Aaron Lohr at [email protected] or 202-971-3654.

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Founded in 1916, the Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, the Endocrine Society’s membership consists of over 18,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 100 countries. Society members represent all basic, applied and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Washington, DC. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endocrine.org. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/EndoMedia.