Prenatal Stress and Endo-crine Disrupting Chemical Exposure: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dysregulation as a Mecha-nism for the Health Conse-quences of Both

During the past several decades there has been increasing attention to risks of exposure endocrine disrupting chemicals, agents that mimic or block effects endogenous hormones. Previous research demonstrates may be critical periods development where factors such as prenatal stress and chemical can result in system dysregulation which manifests both immediately later life. This review describes types common chemicals routes exposure, structure functions hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis its role physiological response stress, highlights current evidence showing alter normal functions. These topics are unified upon discussion indicating many same on axis, leading long-term subsequent alterations responses stress. We further suggest combination with additive, if not synergistic axis-mediated response. Finally, we discuss vulnerable populations at an elevated risk for dual emphasize areas future research.