Endocrine Disruptors: Unveiling the Hidden Culprit
Introduction
Have you struggled with hormone imbalance, infertility, weight gain, and fatigue and wondered why nothing seems to be working? Sometimes the missing component is something as simple as invisible chemical compounds lurking in our environment that can significantly disrupt our hormone balance and undermine the intricate symphony of hormonal communication within our bodies. These are called endocrine disruptors. Detoxing our homes is equally important as we detoxify our bodies with the change of seasons. My goal is for you to understand better the chemicals in our environment that influence our hormones so that you can make informed choices to elevate your health and your family's.
What are Endocrine disruptors?
The endocrine system is a finely tuned system of glands and hormones that play a role in vital functions such as growth, development, metabolism, insulin regulation, immune function, and reproduction, i.e., fertility. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that interfere with our endocrine system. They mimic natural hormones such as estrogen and testosterone or block the action of these hormones on their target organs, affecting our bodies' normal hormonal signaling pathways.
Endocrine disruptors have been linked with adverse reproductive effects such as infertility and hormone-dependent cancers; metabolic disorders such as diabetes; neurological problems such as impaired learning ability; developmental delays; birth defects; obesity, and immune system dysfunction. The most common sources of exposure within the home include food containers made from plastic materials - like water bottles - furniture coatings containing flame retardant chemicals, personal care products with fragrances like lotions or perfumes, air fresheners & pesticides.
The Impact on Women's Health
Endocrine disruptors can significantly impact women's health, affecting nearly every aspect of our bodies. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with hormone production and balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, painful periods, early or delayed onset of menopause, and reproductive health problems like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), and endometriosis. Endocrine disruptors have also been linked to thyroid dysfunction, which can result in weight gain, low energy levels, mental health issues, and hormonal resistance conditions such as insulin resistance.
Attention to endocrine disruptors is critical when preparing for pregnancy. Studies suggest that these chemicals may be linked to reduced fertility due to their ability to interfere with normal ovulatory function and reduce egg quality. They may also affect ovarian reserve, closely related to a woman's ability to conceive naturally without medical intervention. Once pregnant, these chemicals can potentially increase the risk of your baby developing cancer and developmental disorders such as ADHD and autism and put your baby at risk for birth defects. If breastfeeding, your toxic load can influence what can be transferred to your baby through breast milk.
In postmenopausal women, exposure to endocrine disruptors has been associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. Studies have found that these chemicals may increase risk by changing how hormones interact with breast tissue cells or altering cell growth pathways. Endocrine disruptors can also influence other forms of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, due to their effect on hormone levels in the body.
In addition to impacting our physical health, endocrine disruptors can affect our mental well-being. Research suggests that exposure to these chemicals is associated with anxiety and mood disorders in women. A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health concluded that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals was significantly associated with an increase in symptoms such as depression and anxiety among women aged 20-50 years old.
Minimizing Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors
Minimizing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals starts with knowing where and how these chemicals are present in everyday life. Common sources include plastic containers or packaging, household cleaning products, flame retardants, and personal care products such as makeup and skincare. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of any hazardous ingredients that may be found in these products. While it may seem daunting to tackle endocrine disruptors, simple modifications in our daily lives can significantly minimize our exposure to these harmful chemicals. Here are some steps to help you reduce your risks:
Eat Organic Food
Glyphosate - Found in the herbicide "Roundup" is one of the major offenders in terms of endocrine disruptors. The use of this pesticide is associated with crops that have been genetically modified to have resistance to this chemical. This includes corn, canola, soybean, and sugar beets.
Consuming organic, non-GMO whenever possible can help minimize the consumption of foods rich in pesticides and other synthetic chemicals commonly used in conventional farming, which might act as endocrine disruptors when consumed in large amounts over time. Eating meat and animal products free from hormones and antibiotics is also recommended to limit exposure via food sources whenever possible.
Rising food costs can sometimes make investing in all organic food financially straining. Use EWG's Dirty Dozen ™ guide to help avoid fruits and vegetables with a heavier toxic load. Their Clean Fifteen ™ list represents foods that you can more comfortably purchase conventional.
Be Mindful of Plastics and Non-stick Cookware.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is another crucial hormone-disrupting chemical. It can be found in cans, and plastic food storage containers, including water bottles and baby bottles. When choosing plastic containers or packaging, opt for plastics labeled “BPA-free” or “phthalate-free.” Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, as this can increase the leaching of harmful chemicals into your food. Store and reheat your foods using glass, silicone, or ceramic containers. Stainless steel is also an excellent option for food storage. Watch out for acidic foods stored in cans, such as tomato sauces. Opt for BPA-free cartons instead. Mighty Nest is one of my favorite online resources for safe food storage products.
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) are linked to numerous health problems, including endocrine disruption. You can minimize exposure to these chemicals by reducing your reliance on non-stick cookware and opting for stainless-steel or ceramic alternatives. Good old cast iron is another clean alternative.
Clean up Your Skincare.
Choose body care products and make-up free from known endocrine disruptors like synthetic fragrances and chemical compounds such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Phthalates can be found in cosmetics, shampoos, nail polishes, and perfumes. Skin Deep is a Cosmetics Database developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). You can use this to check your body care products and cosmetics and be more mindful of the exposure from beauty care products.
Detox Your Cleaning Routine.
When shopping for household cleaning products, read labels carefully and choose green alternatives free of potentially toxic chemicals. EWG's Healthy Living App is a great resource to utilize while shopping. In our home, our favorite low-toxin cleaning alternative is Thieves Household Cleaner.
In addition to avoiding contact with endocrine disruptors, a few other strategies can help reduce exposure in the home. Reduce dust levels in the house by vacuuming regularly to reduce the concentration of dust particles, which may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals from outside sources such as car exhausts or industrial pollution. You can also minimize contact by removing your shoes when you enter your home.
Filter Your Water
Invest in a high-quality water filter to help reduce exposure to pollutants such as heavy metals, chlorine, and other chemicals in tap water. I like Aquatru. Use this link for a discount on their products.
Make time during your seasonal cleaning to inventory what's in your home. Pick one item a day or a few things weekly and swap them out for healthier alternatives. EWG has a printable pdf, Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors. Use this helpful resource to go even deeper with your efforts. Detox your home for better health for you and your family.
For a more extensive list of endocrine disruptors and related research, check out The Endocrine Disruption Exchange.
Detoxification and Hormonal Support
Focus on proper detoxification and hormonal support to help your body rid itself of accumulated endocrine disruptors. This involves supporting your liver through a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals combined with regular exercise.
Check out my recent detox blog post for additional resources on detoxing your body. Feel free to reach out any time for comprehensive, personalized guidance and support for detoxification and hormone health.
Conclusion
Endocrine disruptors may pose a hidden threat to our hormonal balance, but as empowered women, we can take control of our health. By being vigilant, mindful of our choices, and committed to a lifestyle that prioritizes our well-being, we can help mitigate the adverse effects of these invisible culprits. Remember, your body is your temple – treat it with the love, care, and respect it deserves as you continue navigating this incredible journey called life.
