4. Modes of action of endocrine disruptors on the hormonal mechanism

Endocrine disruptors can act in three ways:

1) Mimetic (or agonist) effect: by imitating the action of a natural hormone (like a false key in the "biological locks" that exist in organs and cells);

2) blocking (or antagonist) effect: by blocking the action of a natural hormone (by saturating cell receptors, for example);

3) disruptive (or interfering) effect: by disruption, either hindrance or blockage of hormone or receptor production, transport or metabolism, induced by abnormal hormonal action in the body which interferes with metabolic processes or cell growth and division.

These disturbances are all the more serious the earlier they occur (foetus, embryo, young child, as irreversible effects can be induced, including genital malformations).