Endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on hormone health
Modern chemicals found in household products, cosmetics and plastics are linked to hormone dysregulation, inflammatory gut conditions and many other serious health issues such as thyroid disorders, infertility, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. These insidious substances, called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfere with the body’s natural rhythms. Some EDCs have a molecular structure similar to natural hormones like estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones. This allows them to bind to hormone receptors, triggering a response as if the natural hormone were present.
Where exactly are EDCs?
EDCs are chemicals found in everyday items like cosmetics, detergents, food packaging, pesticides, nonstick pans, and more. Key offenders include:
Glyphosate (Pesticides):
Found in conventional crops and GMO foods, glyphosate damages gut health, blocks essential minerals, and is linked to celiac disease, cancer, and infertility. Glyphosate is sprayed on crops just before harvesting, to make goods more shelf stable. This chemical spraying is highly carcinogenic and has yet to be banned in the US. Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands have banned glyphosate for household or public use due to its cancerous effect.
Tip: Choose organic grains and avoid GMO foods. Avoid alcohol (glyphosate is sprayed on crops including grapes, wheat, corn)BPA (Plastics):
BPA is mostly found in hard, clear plastic products and thermal paper used to print receipts. BPA is used in everything from baby bottles to canned goods, and can affect both male and female reproductive health. BPA can cause reproductive disorders, including low fertility, pregnancy complications, and miscarriage. BPA can be found in some clothing, particularly in synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex, which are commonly used in athletic wear.
Tip: Avoid canned foods and store or heat food in glass containers. Choose organic clothing when possible, or look for athletic brands that do not use spandex. Purchase glass or stainless steel containers. Wash hands after handling receipts.Phthalates (Fragrance):
Common in scented products like detergents, body washes, shampoos and cosmetics, phthalates are linked to breast cancer and hormone dysfunction.
Tip: Use fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient products and check brands with the EWG Skin Deep database for clean products.
How to Reduce Exposure:
Prioritize fresh, organic, unpackaged foods.
Avoid products with synthetic fragrances. (laundry detergents, fabric softeners, perfume, scented candles, scented body washes etc.)
Use non-toxic household and personal care items.
Throw away plastic containers and purchase glass or stainless steel bottles and storage containers.
Small changes can protect your health from these hidden dangers. Being an educated consumer is the best way to be proactive about health!
Resources:
De Coster, S., & van Larebeke, N. (2012). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Associated Disorders and mechanisms of action. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 1–52. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/713696
Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., Bourguignon, J. P., Giudice, L. C., Hauser, R., Prins, G. S., Soto, A. M., Zoeller, R. T., & Gore, A. C. (2009). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocrine reviews, 30(4), 293
Liu, G., Cai, W., Liu, H., Jiang, H., Bi, Y., & Wang, H. (2021). The Association of Bisphenol A and phthalates with risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2375. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052375
Rattan, S., Zhou, C., Chiang, C., Mahalingam, S., Brehm, E., & Flaws, J. A. (2017). Exposure to endocrine disruptors during adulthood: Consequences for female fertility. Journal of Endocrinology, 233(3).https://doi.org/10.1530/joe-17-0023
Samsel, A., & Seneff, S. (2013). Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases II: Celiac sprue and gluten intolerance. Interdisciplinary toxicology, 6(4), 159–184. https://doi.org/10.2478/intox-2013-0026
Sears, M. E., & Genuis, S. J. (2012). Environmental determinants of chronic disease and medical approaches: Recognition, avoidance, supportive therapy, and detoxification. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/356798
S.S. Ding, S.H. Hong, C. Wang, Y. Guo, Z.K. Wang, Y. Xu, Acupuncture modulates the neuro–endocrine–immune network, QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Volume 107, Issue 5, May 2014, Pages 341–345, https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hct196
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Iarc explains the carcinogenicity of Glyphosate. World Health Organization. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.iarc.who.int/video/qa-on-glyphosate/.
