In our modern environment, various substances can interfere with the natural function of hormones in the body. These substances, known as hormone disruptors, or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), are found in many everyday products—from the foods we eat to the cleaning supplies we use and the personal care products we apply. Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the endocrine system, the network of glands that produce, store, and release hormones. These substances can mimic, block, or otherwise disrupt the normal functioning of hormones, potentially leading to a myriad of health issues, particularly affecting reproductive health, growth, and metabolism. In this blog post, we will explore common sources of hormone disruptors, their potential effects on health, particularly reproductive health, and practical steps to minimize exposure.
Common Sources of Endocrine Disruptors
Pesticides (e.g., Atrazine): Atrazine is a herbicide widely used in agriculture that has been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor by inducing aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens (i.e. testosterone) into estrogens. This alteration can lead to an unnatural increase in estrogen levels, which can disrupt the reproductive system. Research in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology outlines how atrazine can affect cellular receptor sites related to estrogen (Sanderson, 2000).
Phthalates (in Plastics and Personal Care Products): Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and are also found in some cosmetics and personal care products such as shampoos and conditioners. They can mimic natural hormones, particularly estrogen, and can block or disrupt the functioning of other hormones.
Parabens (in Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals): Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics and some food products. They can mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells.
Bisphenol A (BPA) (in Plastics and Can Linings): BPA is used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It can mimic estrogen and other hormones. BPA interacts with estrogen receptors and thyroid hormone receptors, disrupting their normal functions.
Birth Control: Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic hormones that can affect the body's endocrine system and influence natural hormone levels.
Impact of Hormone Disruptors on Health
Menstrual Irregularities
Phthalates cause reduced progesterone levels, which can cause shortened luteal phases, increased PMS symptoms, pre-menstrual spotting, and tail-end brown bleeding.
Many EDCs cause an increase in estrogen levels. This can be due to an increase in the body's estrogen production caused by things such as pesticides, and it can also be from phthalates, parabens, and BPAs that mimic estrogen. Increased estrogen levels can cause worsening endometriosis pain, heavy menstrual bleeding from fibroids, and continuous cervical mucus. Click here to read my article about alternative treatments for heavy periods. Click here to read my blog article for more information about continuous cervical mucus.
Female Fertility
Low progesterone can be a result of phthalates. This is an important hormone for female fertility since it helps with egg implantation and maintaining a pregnancy. Therefore, low progesterone can lead to infertility and recurrent miscarriages.
High estrogen levels (from increased estrogen production or products that mimic estrogen) can prevent ovulation from occurring altogether.
Sperm Count and Motility
Elevated estrogen levels from hormone disruptors affects sperm quality and quantity. Additionally, different studies have shown that hormone disruptors can also decrease testosterone levels, which play a role in sperm production (Meeker 2009). This can especially be true if EDCs such as pesticides lead to increased aromatase activity, which leads to the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Increased Risk of Certain Cancers
The estrogenic activity of hormone disruptors has been implicated in breast cancer development. A comprehensive review in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology highlights the potential for parabens to affect the expression of genes regulated by estradiol (Byford et al., 2002). Additionally, aromatase activators such pesticides lead to increased production of estrogen, which can lead to breast cancer as well.
Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
Since certain hormone disruptors can not only affect reproductive hormones but also affect thyroid hormones, they can play a huge role in the body's metabolism. In fact, the Endocrine Reviews journal has published findings on BPA’s role in affecting bodily hormones and contributing to metabolic disorders (Vandenberg et al., 2012).
Reducing Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC)
Choose Organic and Pesticide-Free Foods: Opting for organic produce can reduce exposure to pesticide residues. Washing and peeling non-organic fruits and vegetables can also help minimize ingestion of some pesticides.
Use Natural Cleaning Products: Switching to cleaning products labeled as "phthalate-free" or making homemade cleaners from vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. I would recommend any cleaning products from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day or Grove Co. All of the products from these companies are free of parabens, phthalates, phosphates, and harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, chlorine, and ammonia.
Select Safer Personal Care Products: Look for personal care products that are free from parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Reading labels and choosing products with fewer and more recognizable ingredients can be beneficial. One brand that I would recommend is The Honest Company since all of their products are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, harsh chemicals, and synthetic fragrances.
Avoid Plastics When Possible: Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic, particularly for storing and heating food. Avoid plastics labeled with recycle codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (BPA) unless they are labeled as "BPA-free".
Consider Stopping Use of Hormonal Birth Control: Pick an NFP method that meets your personal lifestyle and routine best. Then schedule an visit with an NFP-only physician who can help you in the process of detoxing from birth control. Click here for more information about how to detox from hormonal birth control.
Conclusion
Understanding and mitigating exposure to endocrine disruptors is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance and overall reproductive health. By making informed choices about the products we use daily, we can significantly reduce our risk and protect our health. As always, if you're experiencing symptoms that you believe are related to exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and personalized advice.
References
Byford, J. R., Shaw, L. E., Drew, M. G., Pope, G. S., Sauer, M. J., & Darbre, P. D. (2002). Oestrogenic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells. The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology, 80(1), 49–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0960-0760(01)00174-1
Meeker, J. D., Calafat, A. M., & Hauser, R. (2009). Urinary metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate are associated with decreased steroid hormone levels in adult men. Journal of andrology, 30(3), 287–297. https://doi.org/10.2164/jandrol.108.006403
Sanderson, J.T. (2006). The steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway as a target for endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology, 94 1, 3-21 .
Sanderson, J., Seinen, W., Giesy, J., Van den berg, M. (2000). 2-Chloro-s-Triazine Herbicides Induce Aromatase (CYP19) Activity in H295R Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells: A Novel Mechanism for Estrogenicity? Toxicological Sciences, Volume 54, Issue 1, March 2000, Pages 121–127, https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/54.1.121
Vandenberg, L. N., Colborn, T., Hayes, T. B., Heindel, J. J., Jacobs, D. R., Jr, Lee, D. H., Shioda, T., Soto, A. M., vom Saal, F. S., Welshons, W. V., Zoeller, R. T., & Myers, J. P. (2012). Hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: low-dose effects and nonmonotonic dose responses. Endocrine reviews, 33(3), 378–455. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2011-1050
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