Environment and Endometriosis: a toxic relationship

Endometriosis is a common, be- nign, estrogen-dependent gynecological dis- ease that represents one of the main causes of hospitalization in industrialized countries. It is well established that a large amount of natural and man-made chemicals are present in the en- vironment and both humans and animals are exposed to them. Dioxin and dioxin-like com- pounds have long biological half-life, can accu- mulate within the organism and could negative- ly affect several physiological processes. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the possible relationship between these chemicals and the pathogenesis of en- dometriosis.