How Hidden Chemicals Hijack Our Hormones
The Endocrine System
Your Body's Hormonal Regulator
Have you ever thought about how your body manages everything from growth to mood swings? It’s quite fascinating! The endocrine system is made up of glands and organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones are essential for regulating growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, and many other critical functions (1). When this system functions well, it helps keep everything in balance.
Hidden Hazards
Uncovering Endocrine Disruptors in Everyday Life
What happens when this system is thrown off balance? If the endocrine system is not functioning properly, you might experience a range of frustrating symptoms—everything from fatigue and mood swings to weight fluctuations, skin changes, and even loss of sex drive or infertility (2, 4, 5). A dysregulated endocrine system in children can even cause behavioral and neurological changes. While these issues can arise from genetic disorders, infections, or injuries to the glands, many of us are also unknowingly exposed to man-made and environmental toxins that disrupt our hormones (2). This is where endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, come into play. These harmful substances can be found in everyday items, entering our bodies through our skin, the air we breathe, or the food we consume (3). While it's impossible to eliminate EDCs completely, being aware of where they hide can help us limit our exposure. Here are some common sources:
Pesticides: Think glyphosate, atrazine, and dioxin (3, 5).
Children’s toys and products: Watch out for lead, phthalates, and cadmium (5).
Plastic food storage: Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and phenol are key culprits here (5).
Personal care products and synthetic fragrances: Makeup, sunscreen, deodorants, hair products—you name it—often contain phthalates, parabens, and UV filters (5, 7).
Clothing and cookware: Non-stick pans and Teflon products can release perfluorochemicals (5).
Ultra-processed foods and soft drinks: These often include BPA and phthalates (6).
Simple Swaps
Everyday Choices to Minimize Hormonal Chaos
So, what can we do to protect ourselves? The good news is, that with a few simple changes, we can significantly reduce our exposure to these harmful chemicals. Here are some easy precautions to consider:
Dine in more often! Cutting back on ultra-processed foods and preparing home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients is a great place to start. When storing your food, opt for glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic. And if you haven’t already, it might be time to ditch those non-stick pans, invest in a water filter, and avoid microwaving plastic containers (5). Your health deserves it!
Be a savvy shopper for personal care products. Make it a habit to read labels carefully to avoid phthalates, and look for products labeled “BPA/Paraben-Free.” Also, when you see “fragrance” on a label, consider choosing products marked as non-fragranced instead (5). Your skin will thank you!
Take a closer look at other items in your home. Synthetic fragrances can be found in laundry detergents, cleaning products, candles, and even garbage bags. It’s worth taking a moment to see where you can swap out these items for cleaner alternatives (7). Every small change counts!
Think twice about children’s toys. While many toys are made of plastic, there’s a wonderful selection of wooden or cotton options available that are safer and often more durable (7). Kids love them, and so will you!
Get your home in order! A simple and free step everyone can take is dusting and vacuuming regularly, and opening your windows. Flame retardant chemicals from electronics and other products can accumulate in household dust (7). Fresh air and a clean space can do wonders!
While this overview only scratches the surface of the endocrine system and EDCs, taking small steps can lead to big changes over time. If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to endocrine dysfunction, these precautions can be a great starting point. Remember, a healthy endocrine system is just one piece of the overall well-being puzzle, but it’s a crucial building block for a healthier and happier life!
Works cited:
National Cancer Institution (n.d.). National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Comprehensive Cancer Information - NCI. Retrieved October 7, 2024, from www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/endocrine-system.
Tampa General Hospital (n.d.). Endocrine Disorders. Retrieved October 7, 2024, from https://www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/endocrine-disorder
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2024, July 22). Endocrine Disruptors. NIEHS. Retrieved October 7, 2024, from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine
Miller, K., & Gopal, A. (2024, March 7). Endocrine Disorders. Retrieved October 7, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/endocrine-system-disorders
Endocrine Society (2022, January 24). Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). Retrieved October 7, 2024, from https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/edcs
The George Washington University (2023, January 3). The Connection Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Endocrine Disruptors. Stop Obesity Alliance. Retrieved October 7, 2024, from https://stop.publichealth.gwu.edu/LFD-dec21
Zissu, A. (2016, January 18). 9 Ways to Avoid Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals. NRDC. Retrieved October 7, 2024, from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/9-ways-avoid-hormone-disrupting-chemicals#:~:text=As%20a%20general%20rule%20of,of%20some%20endocrine%2Ddisrupting%20chemicals.
