Bisphenol A Mimics Estrogen, Phthalates Target Testosterone

By Kristina Fiore, Staff Writer, MedPage Today Published: February 05, 2009

NEW YORK, Feb. 5 -- Call these chemicals "his" and "her" endocrine disruptors. Although they have been linked to reproductive problems in both sexes, bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates -- common chemicals found in household plastics -- have gender-specific effects. BPA mimics estrogen, while phthalates block testosterone action, Hugh S. Taylor, M.D., of Yale University, said at a press briefing. "BPA looks like estrogen," Dr. Taylor, whose research focuses on uterine development and endocrine disruption, said of its chemical structure. "By itself it is a very weak estrogen." The chemical stimulates uterine growth, he said, and animal studies have revealed other estrogen-like effects./.../