Toxic Effects of Bisphenol A and Its Analogs on Ovarian Structure and Function: A Narrative Review of Ovary-Focused Studies.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins and is recognized for its endocrine-disrupting properties. Human exposure is common due to its presence in food packaging and everyday products. As BPA use has been restricted, structurally similar compounds such as BPS, BPB, BPAF, and BADGE have been introduced as alternatives, raising concerns about their potential toxicity. This review examines the effects of BPA and its analogs on ovarian structure and function based on experimental rodent studies. Evidence indicates that BPA exposure leads to histopathological changes, including reduced follicle numbers, increased follicular atresia, and granulosa cell degeneration, along with alterations in reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH. At the cellular level, bisphenol exposure is associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired antioxidant defenses, which may trigger apoptosis and autophagy in granulosa cells and affect follicular development and oocyte quality. Overall, these findings indicate that bisphenol analogs may not represent safer alternatives.