{
  "id": 6561780,
  "title": "Girls Exposed to Tylenol in the Womb Showed Surprising Changes, Study Finds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/girls-exposed-to-tylenol-in-the-womb-showed-surprising-changes-study",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-10T08:12:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/girls-exposed-to-tylenol-in-the-womb-showed-surprising-changes-study-finds-12415925"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recent research in Denmark has revealed intriguing findings about the potential impact of paracetamol exposure during pregnancy on girls' reproductive development. Scientists at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen tracked a cohort of 302 girls from early infancy through adolescence, examining various markers of ovarian development. The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, found that girls exposed to paracetamol (Tylenol) in the womb exhibited differences in several reproductive markers compared to those not exposed.\n\nLead author Dr. Margit Bistrup Fischer cautioned that the findings do not definitively prove causation but add to a growing body of evidence from animal studies suggesting that fetal exposure to paracetamol may have lasting effects on female reproductive health. The researchers noted that while the study does not establish a direct causal link, it highlights the need for increased caution when using paracetamol during pregnancy, especially given its widespread availability as an over-the-counter medication.\n\nThe study measured markers such as ovarian size, uterine volume, and levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which is often used as a marker of ovarian reserve in adults. Girls exposed to paracetamol during early pregnancy tended to have smaller ovaries, uteruses, and fewer ovarian follicles. Exposure later in pregnancy was associated with reduced ovarian follicles.\n\nAnother cohort of 1,210 girls followed from infancy into adolescence yielded similar results, with prenatal paracetamol exposure linked to smaller uterine volume at puberty and reduced ovarian volume during adolescence. While the study did not specifically address long-term fertility outcomes, researchers emphasized that further studies are needed to determine whether these developmental differences translate into clinically meaningful impacts on fertility later in life.\n\nDr. Lucy Hooper, a general practitioner not involved in the study, pointed out that the findings should be interpreted with caution, as the differences observed were relatively small and not precisely measured. She reiterated that pregnant women should continue following current medical advice, using the lowest effective dose of paracetamol for the shortest duration necessary. Fischer agreed, stating that the study does not necessarily call for changes to existing medical recommendations but may encourage closer consideration of when and how paracetamol is used during pregnancy.",
  "summary": "The lead author told Newsweek the findings highlight the importance of paying closer attention to pregnancy exposures.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}