Exposure to urban stressor and effects on luteinizing hormone (LH) in female outdoor workers.

There are few studies in literature about exposure to urban pollutants and effects on female reproductive health. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the occupational exposure to chemical urban stressor could cause luteinizing hormone (LH) plasma levels alterations in female traffic police compared to a control group. One hundred and eighty subjects were included in the study, subdivided into three different groups according to the day of the menstrual cycle (7th, 14th, 21st) in which a blood sample was taken. In follicular and lutheal phase of ovarian cycle, the LH mean levels were significantly higher in traffic police vs. controls. The distribution of LH values in traffic police and controls was significant in follicular, and lutheal phase. In ovulatory phase, LH mean levels were lower but not significant in traffic police compared to controls. An increase was found concerning mental health disorders referred to the questionnaire items in traffic police vs. controls, although the difference was not significant. Our results suggest that occupational exposure to urban stressor in female traffic police, may alter LH plasma concentrations. LH may be used in occupational set as an early biomarker of exposure to urban stressor.