How Endocrine Disruptors Threaten Women's Hormonal Health
It’s no secret that there's been a growing awareness of hormone-related health issues among women in recent years. From reproductive disorders to chronic conditions, the impact of hormones on women's health is profound. Yet in many instances, we’ve normalized the symptoms that women experience, rather than looking for the root of the problem. Where did all these negative symptoms come from? While many factors contribute to things like PMS, weight gain, acne, infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and more—a big factor stems from the way our lives as humans have drastically changed over the last few decades.
While women may experience the symptoms of hormonal balance on the surface, the iceberg underneath consists of a lot of unseen endocrine disruptors in our normal, everyday products that may be slowly and unknowingly making us sick over time by disrupting the healthy functions in our bodies.
Luckily, there are ways to reduce exposure. Below, we’ll cover what endocrine disruptors are, how they negatively impact hormones and overall health in women, and practical steps to reduce toxic load in your life.
Understanding Endocrine Disruptors and Their Effect on Hormones
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine (hormone) system. These substances can mimic, block, or alter the function of hormones, leading to a range of health issues over time. Common examples include xenoestrogens, bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates.
Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors are hard to escape! They can be found in personal care products, plastics, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Everyday items such as cosmetics, shampoos, food packaging, and even household dust can be sources of exposure .
Endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormonal functions in various ways. One primary mechanism is through estrogen mimicry, where chemicals like xenoestrogens (“xeno” meaning “foreign”) bind to estrogen receptors in the body, disrupting normal hormonal signals and creating unintended responses in the body. They can also block hormone receptors or alter hormone production and metabolism.
Studies have shown how specific endocrine disruptors affect hormonal balance. BPA, for instance, has been found to bind to estrogen receptors, mimicking the effects of natural estrogen and leading to hormonal imbalance. Phthalates, on the other hand, have been shown to disrupt thyroid hormone function, which is crucial for metabolic regulation. (Source 1, Source 2)
Health Impacts on Women
The impact of endocrine disruptors on reproductive health is significant. Exposure to endocrine disruptors has been linked to fertility issues, irregular menstrual cycles, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Studies have found higher levels of endocrine disrupters in women with infertility compared to those without reproductive issues. (Source 3)
Endocrine disruptors also pose a particular risk to developing fetuses and infants. Prenatal exposure to these chemicals can lead to developmental disorders and long-term health issues. Research indicates that such exposure can result in congenital abnormalities and developmental delays. (Source 4)
Long-term exposure to endocrine disrupters has been associated with an increased risk of chronic conditions such as breast cancer and thyroid dysfunction. Xenoestrogens, for example, have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer due to their estrogen-mimicking effects. (Source 5)
Reducing Your Exposure
While this can be overwhelming, fortunately you can take positive steps to reduce your exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, starting today! Here are some practical steps to get started:
Personal Care Products
As you run out of personal care products—things like shampoos and conditioners, skincare products, makeup, etc—replace them with safer products by opting for organic and natural alternatives and avoid products that contain parabens and phthalates. A great resource is the Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s Skin Deep Guide, which provides a list of great products and brands to choose from.
By choosing safer personal care products, which come in contact with your skin on a daily basis, you can significantly reduce your intake of harmful chemicals.
Diet and Lifestyle
Minimizing dietary sources of endocrine disruptors is another crucial step. Reducing the consumption of processed foods and avoiding plastics for food storage can help. Instead, opt for fresh, organic produce and use glass or stainless steel containers.
Another great resource from the EWG is their Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which provides information on foods to avoid because of chemical contaminants, and foods to buy because of their minimal amount of pesticide residue. If you’ve heard of the “Clean Fifteen” or “Dirty Dozen,” this resource is where those recommendations originated.
How Women Can Take Back Their Health
By staying informed about endocrine disruptors and implementing changes to their lifestyle, women can take better control of outside factors that may be harming their health. Reliable resources include organizations such as the Endocrine Society and Environmental Working Group. The EWG’s Healthy Living app is a great resource to have in your back pocket to identify products that fit your lifestyle goals.
Additionally, regular health check-ups and monitoring your fertility cycle are essential to identifying whether you may need to delve deeper to address hormonal imbalances beyond lifestyle adjustments. Fertility awareness-based methods are great tools for women to monitor their reproductive and overall health, and to share with their trained physician. To learn more about different methods and resources to learn, go here. I’m an instructor of the FEMM method, which you can learn about here.
Conclusion
Endocrine disruptors pose a hidden but significant threat to women's hormonal health. By understanding what they are, how they affect the body, and taking steps to reduce exposure, women can protect and improve their health.
Sources
Vandenberg, L.N. (2014). Non-monotonic dose responses in studies of endocrine disrupting chemicals: Bisphenol A as a case study. Link
Zoeller, R.T., Brown, T.R., Doan, L.L., et al. (2012). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and public health protection: A statement of principles from The Endocrine Society. Link
Caserta, D., Bordi, G., Ciardo, F., et al. (2013). The influence of endocrine disruptors in a selected population of infertile women. Link
Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., Bourguignon, J.P., Giudice, L.C., et al. (2009). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: An Endocrine Society scientific statement. Link
Soto, A.M., & Sonnenschein, C. (2010). Environmental causes of cancer: Endocrine disruptors as carcinogens. Link