Also known as xenoestrogens, endocrine (hormone)-disrupting chemicals are a bigger issue today than ever before. Impacting the menstrual cycle, oestrogen clearance, oestrogen levels, perimenopause symptoms and overall health, this is a crucial concept to understand and address.
Once you are aware of factors like this, you can start to take positive, empowered action! So keep reading.
WHAT IS THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM?
It’s the system in THE body responsible for making and releasing hormones is known as the endocrine system.
It consists of the glands and organs that make hormones and release them into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, hormones make their way to cells in tissues and organs all over the body.
Think of the endocrine system as a messenger system where hormones are chemical messengers sent out to act on an organ in another part of the body.
You don’t want your endocrine system to be disrupted!
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS
‘Hormone-disrupting chemicals’ refers to a broad range of chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system in humans and animals.
More specifically, they have been shown to exert various negative effects on the action, communication, and metabolism of hormones.
The term ‘xenoestrogens’ refers to the ability of these chemicals to mimic (look like) oestrogen. And once inside the body, they bind to cell receptors and activate them in ways we don’t want!
Plus they increase the body’s total estrogen levels, leading to elevated estrogen levels and potentially excess estrogen.
Xenoestrogens are a major driver of:
- New or worse PMS
- Very heavy periods, clotting
- Breast pain
- Weight gain
- Fibroid growth and cysts
- Increased risk of breast cancer
Therefore, it’s possible that your symptoms and health risks are due to these disrupting chemicals rather than your actual hormones!
High estrogen or excess estrogen can lead to various symptoms, including irritability, fatigue, heavy periods, fibroids, and breast pain.
WHERE ARE THESE CHEMICALS FOUND?
Common hormone-disrupting chemicals include:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) and also other bisphenols
- Dioxin
- Phthalates (in plastics)
- Perchlorate
- Parabens
- Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS – known as “forever chemicals”)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Fungicides and herbicides
- Synthetic fragrance (“parfum”)
- Triclosan
- Various chemicals found in tap water
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO HORMONE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS
Thankfully, more and more companies and brands are becoming aware of the need for cleaner products.
So, there are lots of good brands to choose from these days and their price points are getting lower all the time as their competition increases.
Whilst reading labels is a good place to start, it can be difficult to decipher much from labels if you don’t completely know what you’re looking for.
Therefore, an app such as Yuka can be really handy. Yuka allows you to scan barcodes or enter names of various products and it provides a safety score.
Generally however, switching to ‘cleaner’ brands is a great way to go – where it fits in your budget.
Products you’ll want to switch to cleaner brands for include:
- Skincare
- Hair care
- Body care
- Household cleaning products
- Detergent
- Perfume and cologne
- Plug-ins and candles
- Air fresheners and other sprays such as dry shampoo
- Hygiene products like tampons and sanitary towels
If you’re new to this process, I recommend working through one product at a time. For example, when one product runs out, replace it with the same thing but from a cleaner brand. And so on.
I spent a few years fully switching everything out for cleaner brands.
Top Tips For Reducing Your Toxin Load:
- When you next run out of detergent, replace it with a cleaner brand
- When your synthetically scented candle or plug-in runs out, get rid of it and dont re-buy it!
- Look for organic, unbleached tampons or pads next time you’re buying some
- Use glass or stainless steel for storing and heating leftover, never heat foods in plastic!
- Get yourself a nice stainless steel water bottle instead of reusing plastic ones
- When drinking your takeaway hot drinks, ditch the lid and drink from the cup itself. Even better, carry your own glass or stainless steel coffee cup with you
- Consider using a Brita or Phox Water filter jug for your tap water or invest in a Berkey water filter if budget and space allows
- Consider reducing your alcohol consumpttion (like, dramatically reducing it) it’s just not helping
SOME OF MY FAVOURITE CLEANER BRANDS FOR PERIMENOPAUSE SUPPORT
Skin + Hair Care
- Tropic
- Sukin
- Green People
- Neal’s Yard
- Jason
- Antipodes
- Ren
- Aesop
- ..many others
Household Cleaning + Laundry
- Bio-D
- Method
- Attitude
- Ecover
Online Stockists of Cleaner Products
DON’T OVERTHINK IT!
It’s important not to get too stressed or neurotic about these things though. It’s impossible to live 100% clean, it’s just not realistic. And a little exposure here and there isn’t going to hurt.
It’s about balance, NOT perfection! Just do your best.
Most people are using chemical-based products 100% of the time and so even if you reduced your chemical exposure by 25% at first, this is going to benefit your health.
Remember, you don’t need to go from zero to hero overnight, nor at all. Do it gradually, you’re in it for the long haul!
