Two studies were recently published in the USA possibly linking the chemicals in hair and beauty products used mainly by women of Africa descent to an increased risk of uterine fibroids.

Benign tumours that grow in the uterus, cause abdominal pain and can lead to infertility. In January a research was conducted by Dr. Laura Wise at the University of Boston that “raised the hypothesis that hair relaxer use increases uterine leiomyomata (fibroid) risk”.

In May 2011 Dr. Mary Beth Tery conducted a different study where she found out those African-American women surveyed used products that contained chemicals that affect the hormones in the body including oestrogen (female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics). They are commonly referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemical, which have been linked to various reproductive problems and birth defects. They are found in personal-care items including perfume, nail polish and relaxers.

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