IMPACT OF MERCURY ON SEX HORMONES (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Mercury, a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, poses significant risks to human health, particularly through its detrimental effects on the endocrine system. Hg disrupts endocrine function through various mechanisms, including interference with hormone synthesis, receptor binding, and signal transduction pathways. Additionally, mercury exposure has been linked to disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, affecting stress response and cortisol production. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that mercury may interfere with sex hormone regulation, potentially contributing to reproductive dysfunction and developmental abnormalities. However, challenges remain in elucidating the precise dose -response relationships and mechanisms underlying these associations, particularly given the complex interactions between mercury and other environmental stressors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of mercury’s impact on the endocrine system, encompassing both experimental findings and epidemiological evidence. Additionally, continued research is needed to better understand the long-term consequences of mercury exposures on the endocrine system and to develop targeted interventions for at risk-populations.