Endocrine Disruptors Explained: How Everyday Toxins Affect Your Hormones
Hormone imbalance is a growing concern affecting millions worldwide.
One significant but often overlooked contributor is exposure to environmental toxins, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
In this blog I’ll explore how toxins impact hormonal health, sources of these toxins, and ways to minimize exposure.
What are Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?
According to the Endocrine Society, “EDCs are exogenous chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action.” (1)
They can be ingested, inhaled and absorbed through the skin.
They mimic, block, or alter hormone signals, disrupting the body's normal biochemical functions.
The Endocrine Society warns that EDCs can cause adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in humans and wildlife. (2)
Common Sources of EDCs
Personal Care Products
Items like conventional soaps, shampoo, lotion, makeup, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, and hand sanitizers often contain “fragrances”, triclosan, fluoride, parabens, phthalates, bisphenols, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), aluminum chlorohydrate and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), aka, forever chemicals, which are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
Parabens are commonly used as preservatives, while phthalates are often found in fragrances and plastics.
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent used in soaps, toothpaste, and other hygiene products.
Fluoride is added to toothpaste to prevent tooth decay, with one of the chemical’s adverse effects being endocrine disruption
Aluminum salts are widely used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants and are strongly linked to breast cancer. (3)
Sunscreen
Common chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. These chemicals interfere with hormonal function. (4)
Food packaging and Cash Register Receipts
Bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives are commonly found in plastics, packaging and cans and can leach into food and beverages. Don’t be fooled by BPA-free, as the alternatives are also EDC’s. Printed receipts are coated in BPA and are absorbed through the skin within seconds. (5)
Pesticides and Herbicides
Chemicals such as atrazine, glyphosate, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and vinclozolin used in agriculture can contaminate water and food supplies. (6)
Household Products
Cleaning agents and detergents often contain EDCs like chlorine (bleach), alkylphenols and perfluorinated compounds. (7)
Food Additives
Preservatives like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) can act as endocrine disruptors. (8)
Tap Water
Commonly a source of fluoride, chlorine, glyphosate, atrazine, arsenic and various other water disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). (9)
Swimming Pools and Hottubs
Chlorine and bromine are the two most commonly used disinfectant chemicals in pools and hottubs which are known EDCs and displace iodine, a vital halogen, essential for healthy thyroid function and breast health.
Teflon and Other Non-stick Cookware
Non-stick cookware, especially those coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, can release toxic fumes and chemicals when heated to high temperatures.
These chemicals are proposed to be EDCs and can leach into food. (10)
Heavy Metals
Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and Nickel (Ni) are known EDCs.
Although less common in gasoline and paint today, lead is ubiquitous in batteries, glass, coatings, pesticides, and plumbing fixtures.
Mercury exposure mainly comes from vaccines, older dental amalgams, and large fish such as tuna, swordfish, marlin, and sea bass.
Tobacco smoking (even second-hand), environmental pollution, and diet are the main sources of cadmium exposure in the general population.
The main source for arsenic, a highly toxic substance, is drinking water. Other sources of this level 1 carcinogen are processed food and polluted air. (11)
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used in clothes, building materials, upholstered furniture, baby products and electronics to slow the rate of ignition and fire growth.
As treated products volatilize over their lifetime, these chemicals accumulate in indoor air and dust particles. (12)
Menstrual Products
Conventional menstrual products, such as disposable pads and tampons, contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenols and pesticides.
Scented Products
Products like candles, perfumes, room fresheners, and dryer sheets include in the fragrance that often include harmful chemicals that manufacturers are not required to list.
How EDCs Affect Hormonal Health
EDCs can affect hormonal health by mimicking natural hormones, blocking hormone receptors, and altering hormone production, leading to a variety of health issues such as reproductive problems, developmental issues, metabolic disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and an increased risk of certain cancers .
Health Impacts of Hormone Imbalance Due to EDCs
Reproductive Health Issues: EDC exposure is linked to infertility, PCOS, and endometriosis in women, and decreased sperm quality in men. (13)
Developmental Problems: Children exposed to EDCs may experience developmental delays, early puberty and behavioral issues. (14)
Metabolic Disorders: EDCs contribute to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome by disrupting fat storage and glucose metabolism. (15)
Nervous System Dysfunction: Certain EDCs are able to alter neural transmission and the formation of neural networks, thus implicating EDCs in the etiology of neurological disorders. (16)
Immune System Dysfunction: EDCs adversely affect immune system function. (17)
Thyroid Dysfunction: EDCs can interfere with thyroid hormone production, leading to thyroid disorders. (18)
Cancer: Long-term exposure to EDCs increases the risk of cancers such as breast and prostate cancer due to their hormone-mimicking effects . (19, 20)
Minimizing Exposure to EDCs
Choose Natural Personal Care and Cleaning Products
Opt for natural alternatives to personal care and cleaning products that do not contain EDCs Opting for natural personal care products that are free from these chemicals can help reduce exposure to EDCs.
Clean Up Your Oral Hygiene Products
Use natural fluoride-free toothpaste and natural dental floss that isn’t coated in forever chemicals. Try making your own non-toxic mouthwash from baking soda, tea tree and peppermint essential oil.
Avoid Food Packaging and Printed Receipts
Plastics such as storage and food containers as well as plastic utensils, cans, plastic food wrap and zip lock bags, takeaway containers, packaging with recycling codes 3 & 7, particularly those containing bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives, can leach EDCs into food and beverages, especially when exposed to heat or acidic conditions.
Using glass or stainless steel containers for food storage instead of plastic can minimize exposure to these chemicals.
Buy produce and various foods without packaging and buy in glass or tetra pack when possible.
Avoid taking your receipt or opt to have it emailed or texted to you.
Filter Your Water
Tap water may contain various contaminants, including EDCs like phthalates, bisphenols, atrazine, medications, and halogens.
Use a high-quality water filter that removes fluoride, chlorine, and other contaminants. Refrigerator filters are not sufficient to remove EDCs. Reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters are effective options.
Using a high-quality water filtration system can help remove these pollutants, providing cleaner and safer drinking water. Also, make sure to cook with filtered water.
Limit Processed Foods
Processed foods contain additives, preservatives, flavor enhancers disguised as “natural flavors”, food coloring and more that can act as EDCs.
Avoid processed foods that may contain brominated vegetable oils (BVOs) and other bromine-containing additives.
Opting for a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, healthy fat, and lean proteins can help minimize exposure to these chemicals.
Eat Organic, Grass-Fed/Finished Meat and Dairy, Wild-caught Fish and Pastured Eggs
Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, reducing the risk of exposure to EDCs commonly found in conventional farming practices.
Choosing organic produce and avoiding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are often treated with glyphosate-based herbicides, can help reduce exposure to this chemical.
Organic is the best choice, however, it can be cross contaminated, therefore soaking produce in 2 cups water with 1 tsp baking soda for 15 minutes can virtually eliminate any remaining pesticides. (21)
Avoid meat, dairy eggs from animals raised on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Animals or their feed also typically contain antibiotics, hormones and other industrial chemicals that may contain EDCs.
Develop a relationship to a local farmer for regeneratively famed meat, pasture-raised eggs and raw dairy products.
Farm-raised fish is raised on GMO species inappropriate feed, so wild-caught fish is a safer choice. Stick to smaller fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring which don't have mercury, other metals, and microplastics in such high concentrations.
Avoid Teflon and Other Non-stick Cookware
Non-stick cookware, especially those coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, can release toxic fumes and chemicals when heated to high temperatures.
These chemicals are believed to be EDCs and can leach into food. Using alternative cookware materials like stainless steel or cast iron can help avoid exposure to these harmful substances. (22)
Avoid Flame Retardants
If you're in the market for new furniture, carpets, electronics, or other textiles, check labels for brominated flame retardants.
Choose “green” products free from these chemicals and opt for organic cotton, wool, silk or linen for clothing in lieu of synthetic fabrics.
Ventilate and Clean Properly
Ensure proper daily ventilation to ensure off-gassing from carpets, furniture, and other household items that are treated with flame retardant.
Keep your home clean by maintaining a dust-free environment. Use hepa filter vacuums and air filters. Dusting is best done with wet mops or rags to avoid spreading dust.
Limit Chlorine Exposure in Water
Limit swimming in chlorinated pools and soaking hot tubs but when you do, rinse off thoroughly to reduce skin absorption and inhalation of chlorine by-products.
Investing in a shower filter to limit chlorine exposure on a daily basis in your home.
Avoid Toxic Sunscreens
To minimize exposure to these harmful substances in sunscreen, opt for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide effective sun protection without the risks associated with chemical sunscreens.
Additionally, try reducing prolonged exposure to direct sun and alternate with periods in the shade. Alternatively, wear sun protective clothing when recreating outdoors for extended periods.
Read Labels
Many products contain EDCs. Reading labels and choosing products that are free from known endocrine disruptors can help reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals. Check out EWG or my newest favorite resource for more details.
Detoxification Options to Combat Endocrine Disruptors
First and foremost, limit your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In addition, incorporating detoxification practices into your routine can further support hormonal health and mitigate the effects of environmental toxins. Here are some detoxification options to consider:
Nutrient-Rich Diet
Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support the body's natural detoxification processes. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals to provide essential nutrients that aid in detoxification.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial for flushing toxins from the body. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water throughout the day to support kidney function and facilitate the elimination of toxins through urine.
Herbal Teas
Certain herbal teas, such as dandelion root tea, milk thistle tea, and green tea, have detoxifying properties that can support liver function and promote the elimination of toxins from the body.
Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity stimulates circulation, increases sweat production, and supports lymphatic drainage, all of which help remove toxins from the body. Aim for a combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises to support overall health and detoxification.
Sauna Therapy
Saunas can promote detoxification through sweating. Spending time in a sauna can help eliminate toxins from the body through the skin, reducing the body's burden of accumulated toxins.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing involves gently brushing the skin with a natural bristle brush to stimulate lymphatic drainage and exfoliate the skin. This technique can help remove dead skin cells and promote the elimination of toxins through the skin and lymph.
Detoxifying Baths
Adding Epsom salts, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar to your bathwater can help draw out toxins from the body through the skin. Soaking in a detoxifying bath can promote relaxation and support the body's natural detoxification processes.
Liver Support
The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification by metabolizing and eliminating toxins from the body. Supporting liver health with supplements such as milk thistle, dandelion root, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can aid in detoxification and promote overall well-being.
Incorporating these detoxification options into your lifestyle can complement efforts to minimize exposure to EDCs and support your body's natural detoxification processes.
However, it's essential to consult with your functional medicine doctor before starting a more serious detoxification regimen since there are necessary evaluations and steps to take prior to embarking on that kind of journey.
Take Charge of Your Hormone Health
In conclusion, awareness of the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on hormonal health is crucial. By minimizing exposure to EDCs through informed choices in personal care products, food, and household items, individuals can protect their hormonal balance.
Additionally, incorporating detoxification practices like a nutrient-rich diet, hydration, and regular exercise can support the body's natural detoxification processes and mitigate the effects of environmental toxins.
Small changes in lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in hormonal health.
Request a free consultation with Dr. Martina Sturm at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine.
Together we can start your journey to better hormone health with a personalized plan for you.
Let's prioritize hormone health and work towards creating a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations.
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