Impact of Mercury on Sex Hormones: Literature Review

Mercury is a widespread environmental pollutant that significantly impacts human health by disrupting the endocrine system. It interferes with hormone synthesis, receptor binding, and signal transduction, and affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, influencing stress response and cortisol production. There is growing evidence that mercury may also disrupt sex hormone regulation, potentially leading to reproductive issues and developmental problems. However, understanding the precise dose-response relationships and mechanisms is challenging due to mercury's interactions with other environmental factors. This review highlights the need for further research to comprehend the long-term effects of mercury exposure on the endocrine system and to develop interventions for vulnerable populations.