It is well-known that in animal studies acetaminophen has a potent anti-androgenic and feminizing effect. In some animal models it also reliably causes autism-like symptoms. Given its widespread use and heavy marketing by hospitals, especially to pregnant women (due to its lack of effect on clotting) uncovering the mechanism behind these negative effects is very important.
The study below discovered that acetaminophen lowers significantly the levels of sulfated steroids and especially DHEA-S. Steroids like pregnenolone sulfate (PS) and DHEA-S are the principal long-term storage forms for pregnenolone/DHEA and depleting them can lead to lack of precursors for vital steroidogenic functions in the placenta and fetus. It has also been shown that lowering of pregnenolone/DHEA is akin to accelerated aging, which is undoubtedly quite dangerous for both mother and fetus.
http://www.ebiomedicine.com/article/S2352-3964(18)30037-9/fulltext
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The study below discovered that acetaminophen lowers significantly the levels of sulfated steroids and especially DHEA-S. Steroids like pregnenolone sulfate (PS) and DHEA-S are the principal long-term storage forms for pregnenolone/DHEA and depleting them can lead to lack of precursors for vital steroidogenic functions in the placenta and fetus. It has also been shown that lowering of pregnenolone/DHEA is akin to accelerated aging, which is undoubtedly quite dangerous for both mother and fetus.
http://www.ebiomedicine.com/article/S2352-3964(18)30037-9/fulltext
"...
- We use metabolome analysis of 3570 individuals to identify the effect of acetaminophen on metabolic processes.
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Acetaminophen use is associated with decrease sulfation of sexual hormones.
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These findings are relevant in the context of current debate on the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy