Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have become a topic of growing concern due to their impact on various health issues. These chemicals, found in everyday products like plastics, cosmetics, and even our food, can interfere with the body’s natural hormone processes – leading to metabolic dysfunction, PCOS, fertility struggles, puberty disruption, hormone dependent cancers and more. Although complete avoidance is impossible, positive steps can be taken to avoid endocrine disruptors.

WHAT ARE EDCs

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are the hundreds of exogenous chemicals that interfere with our hormones. We primarily come into contact with endocrine disruptors in the food and water supply, cleaning and personal care products and plastics. Endocrine disruption interferes with hormone balance, producing adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, metabolic and immune effects. They can mimic or block hormones, throwing your endocrine system out of balance. The hormones most vulnerable are sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) and thyroid hormone. Xenoestrogens are endocrine disruptors of particular interest because they are estrogen mimics and have anti-androgen effects. Many of the pesticides and POPs are xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are not biodegradable, so they are stored in our fat cells. Our largest exposure to xenoestrogens is from:

Phthalates: Standard chemical components of modern-day plastics, used to keep them soft, pliable and durable
Parabens: Synthetic compounds commonly used as preservatives in a wide range of health, beauty and personal care products, pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages
Bisphenol-A (BPA): An industrial synthetic compound used to make plastics hard and shatter proof, and as protective linings and coatings
Alkylphenols: Industrial chemicals used in laundry and dish detergents, emulsifiers, and solubilizers, personal care products, and some pesticides
Fragrances: Many fragrances present in most consumer and cosmetic products are endocrine disruptors/xenoestrogens

Because they are so pervasive, the assumption could be that these ingredients are innocuous. However, precisely because they are components of most everyday consumer products, the result is exceedingly high exposure rates for the majority of people. Generally, adult women have higher body burden levels than men due to higher use of soaps, body washes, shampoos and cosmetics.

WHY IT MATTERS

Although causality is difficult to prove because the timing of exposure may occur years or even decades before the development of a disease, there are now thousands of studies which show that endocrine disruptor exposure plays a substantive role in disease initiation and progression, and may alter the susceptibility to disease over a lifetime. Endocrine disruptors are known to be associated with:

Reproductive failure
Reproductive anatomical abnormalities
Developmental disorders
Progression of hormone dependent cancers
Thyroid hormone dysregulation
Metabolic dysfunction

EDCs interfere with the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormones throughout the body. These disruptions can have widespread effects on hormones and metabolic processes. EDC effects on our hormones can lead to:

Hormonal Imbalances: Symptoms like mood swings, weight gain, irregular periods and fatigue.
PCOS Worsening: EDCs disrupt insulin and androgen levels, making PCOS symptoms like weight gain and fertility issues harder to manage.
Fertility Challenges: EDCs interfere with hormone levels, affecting ovulation, implantation and sperm quality.
Puberty Disruptions: Early or delayed puberty, increasing risks for hormone-related conditions later in life.
Estrogen Dominance: A buildup of estrogen-mimicking xenoestrogens in our bodies can lead to estrogen dominance, a condition implicated in breast cancer, prostate and testicular cancer, obesity, infertility, endometriosis, early onset puberty, and diabetes.

Xenoestrogens can cause demasculinization (decreased testosterone) or overt feminization. In the case of frogs, for example, studies have shown that exposure to xenoestrogens can lead to the development of female-like traits in genetically male individuals. Some of these frogs develop ovaries instead of testes, and in certain cases, these ovaries can even produce viable eggs. This phenomenon has been observed in several species of amphibians, particularly in polluted environments where chemical contaminants act as endocrine disruptors. Even low-level exposures, especially during early development, can lead to both transient and permanent changes to endocrine systems. The perinatal period (a several week period before and after birth) is a highly sensitive window of development where minor hormonal disturbances may have an enduring impact on reproductive health and fertility.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Research shows that over 90% of the population has measurable levels of xenoestrogens. The best strategy for chemical detoxification involves reducing exposure and improving detox pathways by optimizing supportive diet and lifestyle habits and ensuring adequate clearance. Although complete avoidance is impossible, positive steps can be taken to avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals:

Avoid plastics as much as possible. Definitely don’t use plastics for anything hot.
Purchase products clearly labeled as “BPA-free”, “paraben-free”, and “phthalate-free”.
Minimize handling of receipts.
Read out tips about finding non-toxic cosmetics and clean beauty brands
Switch to organic, unbleached menstrual products to reduce pesticide exposure.
Buy organic, locally-grown, and in-season foods and hormone-free meats and dairy products

In doing so, we can significantly reduce our toxic load, support a healthy and balanced endocrine system and lower our risk of serious health conditions. For more information, see the Environmental Working Group’s guide to endocrine disruptors. While avoidance can make a big difference, this may only be part of the solution. If you know or suspect you have had high exposure, we recommend doing a comprehensive detox to release the chemicals from your tissues and help the liver to detoxify. If you’re managing PCOS, navigating fertility challenges, struggling with metabolic dysregulation or other hormonal imbalances, our advanced functional testing evaluates key areas impacted by EDCs, including:

Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels
Thyroid function
Cortisol and stress hormones
Insulin and glucose markers for metabolic health

Once we have a full picture, we can tailor a treatment protocol tailored to your unique needs. This may include comprehensive detoxification, bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition therapy and/or targeted supplementation. Generally, supplements we recommend to support detoxification of endocrine disruptors include:

DIM: DIM (diindolylmethane), a naturally occurring compound formed during the digestion of cruciferous vegetables, plays a role in detoxifying EDCs by modulating the body’s estrogen metabolism, enhancing liver detoxification and more.
Binders: Binders bind to toxins in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption and facilitating their elimination from the body. The role of binders in detoxification is crucial because many EDCs are fat-soluble and can accumulate in the body over time.
Glutathione: Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifying molecule which plays a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress and facilitating the detoxification of various toxins, including EDCs.

If you’re interested in learning more or exploring treatment options, please reach out to us today.

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