Investigating how phthalate exposure affects women's reproductive aging
Official title: Phthalate Exposure and Female Reproductive Aging
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10973599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in the environment might speed up the aging of women's reproductive systems, which could lead to early menopause and health issues, and it's designed to help us understand these effects better so we can protect women's health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $536,559 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034112-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 21 and older who may be concerned about reproductive health and aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by reproductive aging or those who have undergone surgical menopause may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of environmental chemicals, specifically di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), on the aging of the female reproductive system. It focuses on understanding how acute exposure to these chemicals may accelerate reproductive aging, leading to early menopause and associated health risks. The study utilizes animal models to analyze inflammatory responses and gene expression changes in the reproductive system, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms of reproductive senescence. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to inform strategies for mitigating the effects of environmental toxins on women's health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of early reproductive aging in women, potentially reducing infertility and associated health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that environmental toxins can influence reproductive health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely novel territory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flaws, Jodi a. — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Flaws, Jodi a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Phthalate exposure and aging of the female reproductive system
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Everyday plastic chemicals and women's reproductive aging
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Short-term midlife estrogen and memory in women
This research tests whether a short course of estrogen in midlife helps protect women's memory and slow brain aging.
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.