Effects of Occupational Exposure to Pesticides on Male Sex Hormones

Pesticides have been extensively studied for their toxic hazards. The effect of exposure to pesticides has been studied among occupationally exposed workers. This study aimed to determine the role of occupational exposure to pesticides on male reproductive hormones. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone of 51 pesticide sprayers occupationally exposed to pesticides and 50 controls were estimated. Results revealed a significant increase in FSH concentration among the workers compared to controls. While there was no significant difference in the concentrations of LH and testosterone between the two groups. In conclusion: occupational exposure to pesticides may result in a significant increase of FSH, but not affecting LH and testosterone in the studied pesticide sprayers, and that could be attributed to their use of non-persistent pesticides and the resting durations between the peaks of their occupational exposures.