Common Endocrine Disruptors: And How To Avoid Them

thatseasonalcycleg
Dec 16, 2024
5 min read

The human endocrine system is responsible for our hormone production and our hormones are responsible for ~everything~ in our lives. From how much we eat, sleep, and poop, to the texture of our hair and how easily we gain or lose weight. We often think of hormones as being a symptom of a bratty teenager or the reason for moody outbursts. In reality they are so much more impactful than that.

Hormones are massively responsible for our reproductive health, but they are also a key to improving overall health. If you experience any of the following symptoms, I urge you to have your hormones checked by a physician.

Fatigue, weight gain, weight loss, hair loss, unwanted facial hair growth, sleeplessness, depression, anxiety, severe PMS, nausea, frequent headaches, chronic stomach pain.

If you are determined to have a hormonal imbalance, or are looking to improve overall hormonal health, the following chemicals should be reduced or avoided.

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)

Where it's found: BPA is commonly found in plastic products such as water bottles, food containers, and the lining of cans (such as soda and canned food).
How it disrupts: BPA mimics estrogen, a primary female hormone, and can interfere with hormonal signaling. It has been linked to reproductive problems, obesity, diabetes, and developmental issues in children.
Alternatives: BPA-free products are becoming more common, but some BPA-free plastics may still contain similar endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

2. Phthalates

Where it's found: Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible. They are found in products like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics, personal care products (e.g., fragrances, shampoo, lotion), cleaning products, and children's toys.
How it disrupts: Phthalates can interfere with the production of sex hormones, particularly testosterone, and have been associated with birth defects, reduced sperm count, and early puberty in girls.
Alternatives: Look for products labeled "phthalate-free" and avoid fragrances in personal care products, which often contain phthalates.

3. Parabens

Where it's found: Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals to prevent bacterial growth. They are also found in lotions, deodorants, and makeup.
How it disrupts: Parabens can mimic estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances. They have been linked to breast cancer, reproductive health issues, and developmental delays.
Alternatives: Look for "paraben-free" products or opt for natural cosmetics that do not contain synthetic preservatives.

4. Dioxins

Where it's found: Dioxins are a group of highly toxic chemicals that are byproducts of industrial processes, such as waste incineration, paper bleaching, and herbicide production. They can also be found in contaminated food, especially fatty animal products (meat, dairy, fish).
How it disrupts: Dioxins affect hormone regulation, particularly thyroid and estrogen signaling. They are linked to cancer, reproductive issues, immune system dysfunction, and developmental problems.
Alternatives: Reducing consumption of animal fats, eating organic food, and avoiding contaminated water sources can reduce exposure.

5. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Where it's found: PCBs were used in electrical equipment, paints, and building materials, but they have been banned in many countries. However, they persist in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain, particularly in fatty fish and animal products.
How it disrupts: PCBs interfere with thyroid hormones and can affect the immune and nervous systems. Long-term exposure has been linked to developmental delays, cancer, and fertility issues.
Alternatives: Avoid consuming contaminated fish or animals, and support efforts to clean up environmental pollutants.

6. Pesticides (e.g., Atrazine, Glyphosate)

Where it's found: Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops from pests. Common pesticides include atrazine, which is used on corn, and glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.
How it disrupts: These chemicals can interfere with the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances, developmental issues, and reproductive disorders.
Alternatives: Choose organic produce or wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce pesticide exposure.

7. Flame Retardants (PBDEs)

Where it's found: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are chemicals used as flame retardants in furniture, electronics, textiles, and mattresses.
How it disrupts: PBDEs can accumulate in the body over time and interfere with thyroid hormone regulation, potentially affecting brain development, growth, and metabolism.
Alternatives: Avoid products containing PBDEs, and choose flame-resistant materials made from safer alternatives.

8. Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium)

Where it's found: Heavy metals can be found in contaminated water, certain fish (especially larger predatory fish), old paint, industrial pollutants, and some cosmetics (such as kohl eyeliner).
How it disrupts: Lead, mercury, and cadmium can interfere with hormone production and disrupt thyroid, reproductive, and brain development. Mercury exposure, in particular, can cause neurological damage.
Alternatives: Avoid exposure to known sources, such as lead-based paints in older homes, and limit consumption of fish known to contain high levels of mercury (e.g., swordfish, shark).

9. Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs or PFAS)

Where it's found: These chemicals are used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, fast food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics.
How it disrupts: PFCs can accumulate in the body over time and interfere with thyroid function and the immune system. They have also been linked to increased cancer risk and developmental issues.
Alternatives: Avoid non-stick cookware made with PTFE or PFOA, choose clothing and fabrics without stain-resistant treatments, and opt for healthier food packaging.

10. Synthetic Hormones (e.g., DES)

Where it's found: Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was a synthetic estrogen used in the 1940s to prevent miscarriages, but it was later linked to cancer and reproductive issues. It is no longer prescribed, but its legacy impacts generations.
How it disrupts: DES exposure can cause developmental problems in children and increase the risk of reproductive issues and certain cancers.
Alternatives: For hormone-related health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider about alternatives to synthetic hormone treatments.

11. Triclosan

Where it's found: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in soaps, toothpaste, and household cleaners.
How it disrupts: Triclosan can disrupt thyroid function and may contribute to antibiotic resistance and the development of hormone-related cancers.
Alternatives: Choose products that are labeled "triclosan-free" and avoid antibacterial soaps that contain this chemical.

12. Toluene

Where it's found: Toluene is a solvent found in paints, paint thinners, adhesives, and some cleaning products.
How it disrupts: Toluene can interfere with the body's natural hormone levels, affecting the nervous system and leading to developmental problems in fetuses and young children.
Alternatives: Choose low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or VOC-free products, particularly in paints and cleaning supplies.

If you've made it to the bottom of this list and you're feeling overwhelmed, fear not! This is not meant to scare you into upending your entire life. Unless you suffer from a severe, chronic illness, small changes over a long period of time will do just fine. Start by identifying one item from the above and seeing if you can switch to an alternative product that contains less or no toxins. For instance, my husband and I love to drink flavored soda water. We recently switched from a canned brand to Topo Chico since it comes in glass bottles.

The easiest, and most cost effective, way to switch out products is to research items as they need to be replaced. This will help to reduce the mental load of researching every product in your home at once. Starting is the hardest part. Once you're on a roll, you'll get excited to find replacements for the rest of your products.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) ranks products based on their toxin level and is a great resource for researching new products. https://www.ewg.org/

Branch Basics is a cleaning product brand that I'd highly recommend and also has a handy checklist for replacing household items. I love everything but the dishwashing pods! https://tossthetoxins.branchbasics.com/