Case History: Urban Encroachment?

The Cooperative Extension Service referred a 52-yearold client to the Agromedicine Program for consultation because of her health concerns with involuntary exposure to pesticides. Dr. Simpson spoke with her on several occasions.

The woman reported that several years ago, after her husband had retired, the couple had moved from the city to a rural area to enjoy life in the country. Located next door to them is a peach farm.

Since moving, the woman reported that she has experienced post-menopausal bleeding. She claimed that these episodes always occurred after the farmer sprayed the peach trees with pesticides. She had an episode earlier in the week.

The woman said she could smell the chemicals each time the peaches were sprayed, so this must be the cause of her problem. She was very concerned about her continued exposure. She provided a list of dormant and early bloom products that she thought she had been exposed to. Dr. Simpson reviewed her list of chemicals and found no reports in the medical literature of any of these having significant estrogenic effects.

Dr. Simpson learned that the woman has not been evaluated by a physician for the cause of her postmenopausal bleeding. He explained to the woman that there were several causes of post-menopausal bleeding, chief among these being endometrial hyperplasia. He urged her to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist. If no etiology is found, then perhaps the role of anxiety over pesticide exposure, triggered by odors, should be considered.

MUSC DEPARTTMENTT OFF FAMIILLY MEDIICIINE – DIIVIISIION OFF PUBLLIIC HEALLTTH AND PUBLLIIC SERVIICE 19 HAGOOD AVENUE – SUIITTE 305 HOT,, P..O.. BOX 250805,,CHARLLESTTON,, SC 29425