8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Reproductive Health

Biomonitoring of estrogen and melatonin metabolites among women residing near radio and television broadcasting transmitters.

Bioeffects Seen

Clark ML, Burch JB, Yost MG, Zhai Y, Bachand AM, Fitzpatrick CT, Ramaprasad J, Cragin LA, Reif JS. · 2007

View Original Abstract
Share:

EMF exposure from broadcasting towers disrupted hormone levels in postmenopausal women, especially those with low melatonin.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers measured hormone levels in women living near radio and TV broadcasting towers to see if electromagnetic field exposure affected their bodies' natural chemical processes. They found that postmenopausal women with higher exposure to radiofrequency radiation and power line magnetic fields showed increased levels of estrogen metabolites in their urine, particularly those women who also had low melatonin levels. This suggests that EMF exposure may disrupt normal hormone regulation in older women.

Why This Matters

This study provides important evidence that EMF exposure can disrupt fundamental biological processes, specifically hormone metabolism in postmenopausal women. The finding that women with both higher EMF exposure and lower melatonin levels showed the strongest hormonal disruption is particularly significant, as melatonin plays a crucial role in protecting against cancer and regulating sleep cycles. What makes this research especially relevant is that it examined real-world exposure scenarios - women living near broadcasting transmitters experience the kind of chronic, low-level EMF exposure that millions face daily from cell towers, WiFi networks, and other wireless infrastructure. The fact that only postmenopausal women showed these effects suggests that hormonal status may determine vulnerability to EMF exposure, pointing to the need for age-specific protection guidelines that currently don't exist.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 60 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 60-Hz

Study Details

Metabolites of estrogen (estrone-3-glucuronide [E1G]) and melatonin (6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate [6-OHMS]) were characterized among women living in a community with increased radiofrequency (RF) exposure from radio and television transmitters.

RF spot measurements, and personal 60-Hz magnetic field and residential parameters were collected. O...

Among premenopausal women, there were no associations between RF or 60-Hz nonionizing radiation and ...

RF and temporally stable 60-Hz exposures were associated with increased E1G excretion among postmenopausal women. Women with reduced nocturnal 6-OHMS excretion may represent a sensitive subgroup.

Cite This Study
Clark ML, Burch JB, Yost MG, Zhai Y, Bachand AM, Fitzpatrick CT, Ramaprasad J, Cragin LA, Reif JS. (2007). Biomonitoring of estrogen and melatonin metabolites among women residing near radio and television broadcasting transmitters. J Occup Environ Med. 49(10):1149-1156, 2007.
Show BibTeX
@article{ml_2007_biomonitoring_of_estrogen_and_1987,
  author = {Clark ML and Burch JB and Yost MG and Zhai Y and Bachand AM and Fitzpatrick CT and Ramaprasad J and Cragin LA and Reif JS.},
  title = {Biomonitoring of estrogen and melatonin metabolites among women residing near radio and television broadcasting transmitters.},
  year = {2007},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18000420/},
}
PubMed: 18000420

Cited By (13 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research shows radio tower exposure may disrupt hormone levels in postmenopausal women. A 2007 study found women living near broadcasting transmitters had increased estrogen metabolites in their urine, particularly those with low melatonin levels. Premenopausal women showed no effects.
Yes, power line magnetic fields may affect hormone regulation in postmenopausal women. Scientists found that women exposed to stable 60-Hz electromagnetic fields from power lines had higher levels of estrogen metabolites, especially when combined with low melatonin production.
Electromagnetic radiation from radio towers and power lines appears to affect postmenopausal women differently than younger women. Research indicates EMF exposure may increase estrogen metabolite levels in older women, potentially disrupting normal hormone balance after menopause.
Living near TV and radio broadcasting towers may affect hormone levels in postmenopausal women. A biomonitoring study found increased estrogen metabolites in urine samples from older women with higher radiofrequency exposure, suggesting potential hormonal disruption.
EMF exposure may interact with melatonin levels to affect hormone regulation. Research shows postmenopausal women with low melatonin who live near broadcasting transmitters have the highest levels of estrogen metabolites, suggesting melatonin offers some protective effect against EMF impacts.