Xenoestrogens: How They Mess With Your Hormones
What are xenoestrogens? How they affect our hormones and fertility? Where are they found? How to reduce your exposure? Signs of oestrogen dominace?
What are xenoestrogens?
Xenoestrogens are found everywhere and we are exposed to them each day. They are chemicals known as hormone disruptors that mimic the natural effect of oestrogen in the body. We are exposed to xenoestrogens through our drinking water, food choices (chemicals are sprayed onto our food such as pesticides, insecticides, fungicides), cleaning products, body care products that we slather on numerous times a day, cosmetics and even pharmaceuticals such as the oral contraceptive pill.
As a women it’s extremely important that our hormones are balanced: PMS is often the first sign from our body that we need to look at our diet, digestion and our stress levels.
How they affect our hormones and fertility?
These hormone disrupting chemicals do not biodegrade and accumulate in your fat cells to protect your body. Exposure to xenoestrogens can directly impact your fertility: abnormal sperm production, increased risk of miscarriage, disruption of follicle growth and egg maturation. The elevated levels of oestogen create a condition called oestrogen dominance. High oestrogen levels have been associated with obesity, PMS, endometriosis, thyroid dysfunction, breast, prostate and testicular cancer and early puberty.
Where are they found?
Food:
Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides - are sprayed on our produce and may be found in our drinking water
Atrazine – herbicide sprayed in Australia on corn, sorghum, and sugar cane crops. It’s linked with the feminization of frogs, may have damaging effects on sperm and was banned in 2003 by the EU.
Dioxin – disrupts oestrogen and androgens. It can be found in conventionally raised meat, fish, eggs and butter
Food preservatives and colourings - Erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3, phenosulfothiazine (a red dye), butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (food preservative)
Plastics:
Phthalates – are a binding agent and make plastic flexible. It can be found in plastic containers, plastic food wrap, and personal care products. Phthalates have been linked with breast cancer, infertility, testicular cell death (making the cells die earlier in the man parts before they should as well as lower sperm count, poor mobility), altered reproductive development, asthma, behavioural issues, obesity, diabetes and thyroid irregularities.
BPA and BPS – are found in plastic reusable water bottles, plastic plates, lining of canned foods, children’s sippy cups, and even shopping receipts. BPS has replaced BPA but there are concerns over its safety.
Body Products:
Parabens – preservatives in our beauty products that can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation
Triclosan - an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in soaps, toothpaste and hand sanitisers. It contaminates our waterways, effects hormones and is linked with antibiotic resistance.
Flame Retardants – used in furniture, clothing, memory foam, building materials, electronics, furnishings and motor vehicles (Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
How to reduce your exposure?
Here’s how you can minimise your exposure to xenoestrogens:
Food
Choose organic, locally-grown and in-season foods
Peel non-organic fruits and vegetables
Buy organic meats and dairy
Choose wild caught fish rather than farmed
· Remove all food from plastic packaging such as spices and place in glass or ceramic containers
· Choose to buy products that are in glass jars/bottles over plastic packaging
Do not microwave food in plastic containers
Avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for storing or microwaving
Swap your plastic water bottle to a glass or stainless steel drinking bottle
Coffee is one of the most highly sprayed crops in the world, but organic
Canned foods and lined with plastic, limit intake or swap to glass containers or dried beans.
Coffee cups are lined with plastic – choose glass, bamboo, stainless steel or ceramic alternatives
Swap plastic food wrap for beeswax wraps
Plastics
· Avoid plastics with the recycling numbers 3, 6, and 7, which all contain compounds of concern.
· Don’t put plastics in dishwashers or the microwave, which can damage them and cause them to leach more BPA or its alternatives.
· Throw away plastic when it looks aged or scratched
Cleaning Products
Use chemical free, biodegradable laundry and household cleaning products.
Opt for chlorine free products and unbleached paper products
Use a water filter that removed chlorine, fluoride and other contaminants in the water you drink and bath in.
Health and Beauty Products
Cotton is highly sprayed with pesticides so always make sure your pads and tampons are organic or swap to a reusable cloth brand
Avoid products that have toxic chemicals and oestrogenic ingredients such as parabens, SLS and stearalkonium chloride.
Choose triclosan free products (it can increase testosterone) and also lead to antibiotic resistance.
Minimize your exposure to nail polish and nail polish removers or choose a 5 free brand.
Choose natural fragrances such as essential oils.
Use chemical free soaps and toothpastes.
Signs you may have oestrogen dominance?
· Fatigue
· PMS – bloating, sore breasts
· Abnormal menstrual periods
· Mood swings, often presenting as depression or anxiety
· Poor libido - loss of sex drive
· Sluggish metabolism. Weight gain particularly around the abdomen and hips
· Poor concentration
· Thyroid imbalances
· Poor quality sleep
· Hair loss
By limiting your exposure you are reducing your chances of obesity, PMS, fertility issues and auto-immune diseases. It is up to you to become the detective – start by reading labels, change the way you shop (I suggest your local health food shop or nourished life) and empower yourself.
I can help you experience abundant health and vitality and regain balance to your life. Together we will delve into the healing and nurturing practices that will make your life more rich and fertile. To see how we can work together book a free discovery call at my women’s health natural fertility clinic. Click here to book an appointment
I am a naturopath, clinical nutritionist, mother, nature lover and yoga enthusiast – just to name a few of my passions. I’m a degree-qualified naturopath, studying Ayurveda and Feminine Form Medicine and I help women have more rich and fertile lives. I have a passion for helping women restore balance to their hormones, connect with their fertility and lead abundant, healthy, vibrant lives. Learn more about how you can work with me here.