There seems to be quite the surge in women being diagnosed with conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, fibroids, PMDD, excessive estrogen levels and more. Needless to say, it’s not just a coincidence – it’s a warning sign. These disorders, once considered anomalies, are becoming the new norm and we are seeing them in record numbers like never before. But the truth is, they are not normal, and like so many health issues in this country, doctors don’t seem to be concerned about the root cause of the issue, instead they want to slap a bandaid on it by prescribing pharmaceuticals, that often come with nasty side effects, and don’t actually tackle the issue.
What’s even more disheartening is the dismissive attitude many women face in the doctor’s office. Nothing is more frustrating than having a doctor, especially a male doctor, downplay your pain or discomfort as “normal”. A good example of this is when women are told their insanely painful periods are normal. Guess what? THEY AREN’T!
It’s time to discuss the connection between our reproductive health issues and the seemingly innocent products that we are surrounded by daily. Yes this is also a men’s health issue, and you guys can still learn a lot from this, but this article is mostly for the frustrated women out there.
So what am I referring to?
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals—or EDC’s for short.
The Endocrine (Hormone) System Explained:
The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological functions in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and coordinate the activities of different organs and tissues. They are pretty darn important.
I know this article is about reproductive health specifically, but I think it’s important for you to know the basics of the endocrine system.
So let’s break it down—here are just a few key glands and their associated hormones in the endocrine system:
* Please note that there are more, but the goal is to not overwhelm you*
- Thyroid Gland: Produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy balance, and growth.
- Adrenal Glands: Produce hormones such as cortisol, which is involved in stress response, and adrenaline (epinephrine), which prepares the body for the “fight or flight” response.
- Pancreas: Produces insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.
- Ovaries (in females) and Testes (in males): Produce sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone in females, testosterone in males) that control reproductive functions and secondary sexual characteristics.
EDC’s Explained:
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing, releasing, and regulating hormones in the body.
These chemicals are structurally similar to the hormones our body makes naturally, therefore they have the ability to mimic or block the actions of our naturally made hormones as they bind to hormone receptor sites, basically causing chaos to a perfectly synchronized dance. EDCs are diverse and can be found in various synthetic compounds.
These Chemicals are found in:
Plastics
Bisphenol A (BPA): used in the production of certain plastics, including food and beverage containers, water bottles, and the lining of some canned goods.
Phthalates: Found in many plastics and personal care products, cosmetics and fragrances.
Personal Care Products
Parabens: commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care items.
Triclosan: found in some antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, and other products.
Pesticides & herbicides
Fruits & vegetables, grains & cereals, meat & dairy, processed foods, tea & coffee, wine, gardening products, tampons, pads (we will come back to this one further into the article)
Food Packaging
Fast food wrappers, lining of disposable coffee cups, takeout containers.
Cleaning Products
Household cleaning products that can be released into the air or come into contact with the skin.
Pharmaceuticals
Some pharmaceutical drugs, including certain contraceptive and hormone replacement therapies.
Unfiltered Tap Water
We are so fortunate to live in a country where we can drink the tap water. However, our tap water still contains A LOT of EDC’s such as: heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, chlorine and more.
6 Ways to Reduce Exposure & Take Back Control
I know what you’re thinking—EDC’s ARE IN EVERYTHING. Yes, they are in a lot of the things we use everyday. However, there is so much we can do to avoid our exposure to them and to also make sure we properly detox them from the body.
So the good news? We have the power to reclaim control over our reproductive health, and I’m going to tell you exactly what do to. It starts with awareness and small, intentional choices. Here are a few small steps!
1. Opt for Organic Produce:
- Choose organic fruits and vegetables to minimize exposure to pesticides and herbicides.
2. Ditch Plastic, Embrace Glass:
- Say no to plastic containers and bottles. Opt for glass or stainless steel alternatives to avoid potential EDCs leaching into your food and drinks. This also applies to your morning coffee! Consider bringing your own reusable coffee mug.
3. Mindful Personal Care Choices:
- Read labels on personal care products. Choose items free from phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
4. Check Cosmetics Ingredients:
- Be mindful of the makeup you use. Opt for products labeled as “phthalate-free” and “paraben-free.”
5. Filter Your Water:
- Invest in a water filter (it doesn’t have to be a fancy, expensive one) to reduce the presence of contaminants, including EDCs, in your drinking water.
6. Natural Cleaning Alternatives:
- Swap out conventional cleaning products for natural alternatives to limit exposure to EDCs in your home environment. Just keep an out for them in the stores, they do exist!
7. Advocate for Safer Products:
- Raise your voice. Advocate for safer alternatives, support regulations that limit EDCs in consumer products, and encourage transparency in product labeling.
Okay—I mentioned above that I would circle back to the topic of tampons & pads. I mainly use organic pads, or my diva cup. I personally very rarely wear tampons, and when I do, I stick to purely organic ones with a biodegradable applicator.
You will see ones that say ‘organic top layer’, those aren’t good enough. They must be organic all the way through. The unfortunate reality is that these products contain so many harmful chemicals, that we are literally inserting into ourselves and then leaving them there for hours on end…you do the math.
The truth about tampons & pads:
- Cotton Production:
- Bleaching Agents:
- Fragrances and Additives:
- Plastic Applicators:
Like I said above, it’s nearly impossible to avoid these chemicals. Which is why it is important to make sure you are also properly detoxing these chemicals from the body. You can do this by regular movement/exercise, eating whole foods, staying hydrated, sweat therapy (sauna), and supplementation for extra support.
References:
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine
