Prenatal Pesticide Exposure Alters Girls' Menstrual Cycles

Girls whose mothers lived near pesticide-sprayed fields during pregnancy have altered menstrual cycles as teenagers. The chemicals affected them before birth and the effects showed up over a decade later.

What the Study Found

A 2026 study examined prenatal residential proximity to endocrine-disrupting agricultural pesticides and menstrual cycle characteristics among Latina adolescents in California. Girls with higher prenatal pesticide exposure had different cycle lengths and patterns.

Menstrual cycle regularity is a marker of reproductive health. Disruption during adolescence can predict fertility problems, PCOS, and hormonal disorders later in life.

What You Can Do

If pregnant and living near farms, minimize exposure during spray seasons. Close windows. Use air purifiers. Buy organic produce. Support buffer zone policies between farms and homes.

Browse our non-toxic baby products for pregnancy safety.

Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.

Source: Prenatal Pesticides and Menstrual Cycles Study (2026).