Everyday Endocrine Disruption

Teri Cochrane on
Chemicals in personal care products can cause endocrine disruption.

Hormone trouble? Here are the big disruptors to look out for.

Parabens

This endocrine disrupting chemical is abundant in personal care products such as shampoos, body wash, lotions and hand soaps. Parabens mimic the chemical makeup of estrogen in the body and disrupt healthy hormone function, like the production of real hormones.

Phthalates & Plastics

Found in everything from synthetically made clothing to water bottles and food storage containers, repeat exposure to these plastics can damage the kidneys, liver and reproductive system.

Pesticides

We’re fighting a long battle against pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate, which is sprayed liberally and ubiquitously on our crops. These toxins can disrupt menstrual cycles in women and result in natal complications, stillbirths and bird defects.

PCB’s & Dioxins

These toxic chemicals - found in everything from industrial air pollution to the feed given to farmed salmon - can change the structure of sex hormones in the body, dislodging estrogen and testosterone, and even inhibiting normal growth in children.

Women, listen up! Endocrine disrupting chemicals (or EDCs) pose a particularly serious threat to women.

According to the Hormone Health Network, “exposure to estrogen or androgen mimicking EDCs can promote breast cancer growth and/or interfere with hormonal cancer therapy. Prenatal exposure to some EDCs may affect mammary gland development and increase breast cancer risk later-in-life.”

Some rules of thumb:

  • To promote optimal health, always avoid plastics when cooking or transporting foods (especially hot foods), buy organic, and wash your produce thoroughly. Eat wild and choose protein sources low in fat (toxins build up in the fat deposits of animals).
  • Use non-toxic body care and house cleaning products and wear natural, sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or hemp. Avoid any product with synthetic fragrance, including perfumes and candles!
  • Shop from clean house and beauty sources, live Grove.com or Credo Beauty, and always make use of the EWG Skin Deep database to check the toxicity of products before you buy!
  • Prioritize air quality by filling your home with plenty of green plants for a natural filtration system that will freshen the air and bring a spark of joy.
  • Minimize your use of plastic and swap plastic containers, cutting boards and cooking instruments for metal, glass or wood options.
  • Support your body’s detoxification system by drinking lots of water and eating healthy foods
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