Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, the world's most popular herbicide. A recent study has shown that a brief 8 day exposure of male rats to Roundup resulted in abnormal sperm and an alteration of the enzyme aromatase.
The level of exposure was similar to levels found in water after agricultural spraying. Altering the aromatase enzyme can result in altering the balance between androgen and estrogen, the male and female sex hormones. Aromatase is also known as estrogen synthase since it converts testosterone to estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat endometrial disorders, uterine fibroids, and breast cancer. Elevated aromatase levels appear to be a major contributor to benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer.
References:
Cassault-Meyer, Estelle, et al., An acute exposure to glyphosate-based herbicide alters aromatase levels in testis and sperm nuclear quality, Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2014; 38(1):131-140.
Ellem, S.J., et al., Aromatase and prostate cancer, Minerva Endocrinol., March 2006; 31(1):1-12.
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