Roundup Exposure May Increase Infertility, Endometriosis Risks: Study

Side effects of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, may cause hormonal changes that make pregnancy more difficult, researchers warn.

Data from a new study warns that exposure to Roundup and other used glyphosate-based weed killers may have adverse effects on the human female reproductive system, raising further concerns about the widely used herbicides.

The findings, which come after decades of the weedkiller’s use around the globe, were published in Reproductive Sciences earlier this year, linking glyphosate exposure to oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and cellular changes in ovarian and uterine tissues that may impair fertility and elevate the risk of endometriosis.

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, which has been commonly used for decades in the agricultural industry, as well as for residential purposes as a weed killer. Although it has been marketed as safe for humans, research over the last several years has linked Roundup exposure to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other adverse health effects.

As a result of the manufacturers’ failure to warn about the potential cancer risks, Bayer and its Monsanto subsidiary have faced more than 120,000 Roundup lawsuits, each raising similar allegations that users developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma from the weed killer, either when using the product in an agricultural setting or around the home.

After spending more than $10 billion in Roundup settlements, Bayer announced in 2021 that it would reformulate Roundup and remove the active ingredient glyphosate from consumer versions of the weed killer. However, glyphosate is still in the formulation for agricultural users, potentially leading to increased risks of cancer and other adverse health conditions for those coming in contact with the product.

In this new study, researchers from Wayne State University conducted a review of literature on glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) up to March 2024. They looked for effects on the female reproductive system and the possible clinical implications.

According to their data, glyphosate (GLY) exposure can cause tissue changes in the ovaries and uterus that may make it more difficult to become pregnant. In addition, glyphosate can disrupt the human endocrine system, which governs the distribution of hormones.

These conditions can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, the researchers warned. They also noted that Roundup exposure side effects could also disrupt embryo implantation by damaging blood flow to the uterus, which can “increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and warrant further investigation.”

The researchers also noted that past studies have demonstrated adverse effects on male reproduction as well, including lower sperm count, developmental delays and hormonal changes.

“GLY adversely affects the female reproductive system through increased oxidative stress, endocrine disruption of reproductive hormones, histological changes in ovarian and uterus tissue, and diminished ovarian function in human cell lines and animals,” the researchers determined. “We conclude that increased research efforts are warranted regarding the safety and efficacy of GBH as it pertains to female reproduction, as well as investments in cost-effective alternatives with the potential to reduce GBH usage.”