Apocrine Sweat Gland Obstruction by Antiperspirants Allowing Transdermal Absorption of Cutaneous Generated Hormones and Pheromones as a Link to the Observed Incidence Rates of Breast and Prostate Cancer in the 20th Century
March 2009
in “
Medical Hypotheses
”
aluminum-based antiperspirants apocrine sweat glands transdermal absorption hormones pheromones breast cancer prostate cancer axillary region hormone synthesis hormone metabolism endocrine disruptors aluminum antiperspirants underarm sweat glands skin absorption armpit area hormone production hormone processing hormone disruptors
TLDR The document suggests that blocking sweat glands with antiperspirants might allow skin-generated hormones to be absorbed, possibly increasing breast and prostate cancer risk.
The document from 2009 proposes a hypothesis that the use of aluminum-based antiperspirants may lead to the obstruction of apocrine sweat glands, which in turn could allow for the transdermal absorption of hormones and pheromones that may contribute to the development of breast and prostate cancer. It draws parallels between the rise in antiperspirant use and the incidence of these cancers, and suggests that the skin, particularly the axillary region, plays a role in hormone synthesis and metabolism. The paper calls for further research to investigate the potential link between antiperspirant use and cancer, noting the need for case-controlled studies and serological analyses to explore the impact of underarm hygiene practices on hormonal balance and cancer risk. The hypothesis is based on observed correlations and the biological plausibility of antiperspirants acting as endocrine disruptors, but it does not provide direct empirical evidence of a causal relationship.
