Investigating how exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy and perimenopause affects bone health and body composition.
Official title: Relating phthalate and metals exposure during pregnancy and perimenopause to bone health and body composition in midlife
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11129019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain chemicals found in everyday products might affect bone health and body changes in women who are pregnant or going through menopause, helping us understand the risks these exposures could pose during important times in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $81,659 |
| NIH project number | 3R01ES032202-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are pregnant or in the perimenopausal stage and have been exposed to phthalates or heavy metals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or in perimenopause, or those with no known exposure to the chemicals being studied, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of phthalates and heavy metals on bone health and body composition in women during pregnancy and perimenopause. It aims to understand how these chemicals, commonly found in plastics and personal care products, may disrupt hormonal balance and influence bone density and structure. By analyzing biological markers and conducting assessments of bone mineral density, the study seeks to uncover the potential risks associated with chemical exposure at critical life stages. The findings could provide insights into how environmental factors affect women's health during midlife.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for bone health issues in women, particularly during pregnancy and perimenopause.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated potential links between chemical exposure and bone health, but this research aims to explore these effects specifically during critical life stages, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watkins, Deborah J — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Watkins, Deborah J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.