Life Course Theory
By Weenta Yacob
Your life is not defined by a single experience, and neither is your health.
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The Life Course Theory seeks to understand how biological, societal, political, and cultural circumstances exposed to individuals early in life shapes their development, health, and well-being (1).
With regard to pregnancy and endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure, the life course theory includes understanding how environmental and product exposure to EDCs can impact reproductive health outcomes that may influence and alter pregnancy experiences and health outcomes, both for the mother and the neonate.
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Previous research on environmental toxins uses a traditional chemical risk assessment that focuses on one or a few chemicals during a short period of time and assumes a very simple relationship between exposures and outcomes. However, this is inadequate and obsolete when understanding EDCs. Exposures bioaccumulate and burden our bodies with chemicals that disrupt the normal systems and functions that keep us healthy in the long-run.
A new framework that includes acknowledging the complex nature of EDCs, its bioaccumulation, and long-term impact on vulnerable populations is needed to bring about real change.
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For more information on how the life course theory plays out between EDCs and your health, check out our Health Outcomes page.
