How Endocrine Disruptors Impact Hormones & How to Avoid Them

Whether you realize it or not, you're exposed to substances every day that can unknowingly negatively affect your hormones and health in various ways.

Among these substances are endocrine disruptors, a class of chemicals that can disrupt the body's delicate hormonal balance, including the production of hormones like estrogen in women and testosterone in men.

Once you understand what endocrine disruptors are, where they're commonly found (hint: in your beauty and household products and many foods!), and their potential detrimental effects on your appearance, reproductive health, and well-being, you'll know how to better minimize your exposure to safeguard your health.

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are synthetic chemicals or even some natural compounds that can interfere with the endocrine system's function. This system regulates hormones that are crucial for processes like growth, metabolism, mood, reproduction, weight management, and other vital functions. 

The main reason that endocrine disruptors are harmful is that they can mimic and interfere with the effects of your own natural hormones. 

For instance, they can block hormone receptors or alter hormone production and metabolism pathways, causing changes in your menstrual cycle, libido, weight, and more. 

Here's a scary finding: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that measurable levels of numerous endocrine disruptors are found in many people tested in the United States, indicating widespread exposure among the population. 

Exposure to these chemicals has increased considerably over the last 30 to 40 years, and we're still finding out the long-term consequences of this level of exposure.

Which chemicals and substances qualify as endocrine disruptors? Some common examples include:

• Phthalates
• Parabens
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Certain pesticides and herbicides (sprayed on non-organic crops)
• Heavy metals like lead and mercury

Where Are Endocrine Disruptors Found?

Endocrine disruptors are ubiquitous in modern life, meaning they're present in both everyday products (like foods, cleansers, deodorant, and makeup) and also in environmental sources, including drinking water in some locations.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health, endocrine disruptors are found in such a wide range of everyday products that most people come into contact with them on a regular basis through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.

The Endocrine Society reports that there are nearly 85,000 human-made chemicals in the world, and 1,000 or more of those could be endocrine disruptors

Endocrine disruptors are often found in:

• Beauty and Personal Care Products: Many cosmetics, skincare products, hair care items, and fragrances contain phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that can potentially disrupt hormonal balance. These ingredients are also linked to reactions like rashes among some people who are sensitive to them.

• Household Cleaners: Cleaning products, particularly those with antibacterial agents, artificial fragrances, and harsh surfactants, can contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Examples of products that can contain these chemicals include: aerosol sprays, air fresheners, automotive products, candles (leaded wick), cleansers, disinfectants, dry-cleaned clothing, bug and moth repellents, paint strippers and other solvents, paints, and wood preservatives.

• Plastics and Food Packaging: Plastics, including food containers, bottles, and packaging materials, often contain BPA and other chemicals that can leach into food and beverages, especially when heated.

Pesticides: Agricultural pesticides such as atrazine and glyphosate are known endocrine disruptors, impacting both human health and environmental ecosystems. Foods that are commonly sprayed with these types of pesticides and other similar chemicals include the "dirty dozen" crops (like strawberries, peaches, lettuces like spinach and kale, peppers, apples, and others)

Negative Effects on Endocrine Disruptors on Your Hormones, Skin, and Overall Health

Exposure to endocrine disruptors has been linked to a wide array of health concerns, including:

Hormonal Imbalances

Disruption of hormone signaling pathways is thought to contribute to conditions such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, thyroid disorders, and disruptions in adrenal and pituitary function.

Some endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), have been linked to gender-specific health effects. For instance, BPA exposure has been associated with altered hormone levels and reproductive abnormalities in both males and females.

Reproductive Issues

Endocrine disruptors can mimic estrogen or interfere with testosterone, affecting reproductive health in both men and women. Their negative impact can contribute to fertility problems in some cases and even possibly developmental disorders in offspring.

Exposure to certain endocrine disruptors during critical developmental stages, such as prenatal and early childhood, can lead to lasting effects on neurological development and metabolic function later in life, possibly increasing the risk for health issues during adulthood.

Skin Reactions

Chemicals like parabens and phthalates in skincare products have been associated with skin irritation, allergic reactions, and exacerbation of conditions like acne and eczema.

Emerging Concerns Still Under Investigation

New research continues to uncover previously unknown effects of endocrine disruptors, including their potential role in common chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and cognitive impairments.

There's also a high economic burden of diseases linked to endocrine disruptors, including diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Estimates suggest that reducing exposure could lead to significant healthcare cost savings globally—meaning we'll likely hear much more about these chemicals' negative effects and how to reverse them in years to come.

Negative Environmental Impacts

Not only do endocrine disruptors mess with our health, but they can persist in the environment for long periods, accumulating in soil, water sources, and even in the bodies of wildlife, impacting ecosystems globally.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors

Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors involves making informed choices about products and materials used in daily life. Here are comprehensive strategies to minimize exposure:

1. Choose Clean Beauty and Personal Care Products

Opt for products labeled as "phthalate-free," "paraben-free," and "fragrance-free." Look for certifications like USDA Organic or EWG Verified to ensure products meet stringent safety standards.

Checking the EWG's website to learn about different products, such as skincare and makeup, can be very helpful.  Their Skin Deep database includes info on over 106,400 products from over 5,000 brands! You can find out which products they recommend that are cleanest and least likely to contain harmful chemicals (they recommend over 2,300 such products!).

2. Read and Understand Labels

Familiarize yourself with common endocrine disruptors and their aliases (for example, DBP and DEP for phthalates or methylparaben and propylparaben for parabens). Steer clear of products that list these chemicals among their ingredients, including synthetic fragrances and antibacterial agents.

3. Use Natural Cleaning Products

Transition to eco-friendly cleaning alternatives that use plant-based ingredients and essential oils for disinfection. Look for products certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo, which indicates they have safer formulations. Opting for mostly organic products is also a good idea. 

If you can't find these types of products in your nearby stores, look online or even consider making your own with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

4. Minimize Plastic Use (Use Glass and Safer Materials Instead)

Reduce how often you use plastics, such as food containers and water bottles, by choosing glass, stainless steel, or silicone containers for food and water storage instead. Be especially careful to avoid plastic containers labeled with recycling codes 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), and 7 (often containing BPA), since these are linked to the most health problems. 

If you do use plastics, don't microwave them or keep them in heat-heat or sunlight, since this can cause chemicals to leach into your food or water.

5. Filter Drinking Water

Consider installing a water filtration system in your home that removes contaminants such as BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals from tap water. You can also use a water pitcher with a certified filter or under-sink filtration system for cleaner water so that you can feel safer about drinking.

6. Advocate for Safer Practices

Stay informed about regulatory efforts and advocate for policies that promote safer chemical standards in consumer products and environmental protections. Support companies that sell organic and safe products and initiatives that prioritize health and environmental sustainability over producing cheap, unsafe products.

Key Takeaways on Why and How to Avoid Endocrine Disruptors

• Endocrine disruptors are everywhere, and they can seriously take a toll on hormonal balance and overall health.
• You can make proactive choices in your daily life to reduce your exposure, such as choosing cleaner products, minimizing plastic use, and buying more organic foods.
• Aim for a lifestyle that prioritizes natural ingredients, sustainable practices, and informed consumer choices to create a healthier environment for yourself and future generations. 

*There has been a major shift in our environments. Food that is increasingly processed. Personal care products that are chemical-laden. Excessive cleaning products that are increasingly toxic. Plastics that are used once and can seriously affect health. And many times, the answer is quite simple. The answer is simplicity. Many of the products you have been led to believe are normal and needed are actually completely unnecessary. By far the easiest way to start making healthier choices, is one at a time and experimenting with making your own products.