Hormone-disrupting chemicals: How everyday products are impacting your reproductive health

5-minute read

I’m sitting at breakfast, speaking to a new friend who has recently had a baby through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Friend “The IVF was successful, but I’m really glad I can wear perfume again, and wow did I miss scented deodorant.”

Me “Sorry, what?”

Then followed an explanation of how the hospital (Australian health system) had told her not to use - or even be in the same house as - any scented products, including candles, cleaning products, and cosmetics… even her partner was asked not to wear scented deodorant for the duration of the IVF treatment.?

Why??

Many scented products contain parabens, a group of chemical compounds used as preservatives in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, homeware, and the food industry. These compounds are popular due to their effectiveness and relatively low cost, the use of which became widespread in the 1940s.?

Parabens mimic estrogen in the body.

They are “endocrine disruptors”, chemicals that alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system (glands that secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood) and the reproductive and other biological processes regulated by it.

Off I went down the investigative rabbit hole…?

What Are Common Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)??

It is estimated that there are roughly 1000 EDCs and these can be either natural or synthetic. Natural EDCs can be found in plants like soybeans and are less potent than synthetic EDCs, but can still influence hormone balance, particularly when consumed in large quantities. Synthetic EDCs are more common and include a wide range of chemicals used in industry, agriculture, and consumer products.

The most common EDCs that mimic female hormones (mainly estrogen) are:?

1. Bisphenol A (BPA): Used in the production of plastics and packaging resins, typically found in food and beverage storage containers. It can leach into food and drink, especially when containers are heated.
2. Phthalates: Used to make plastics more flexible and as a solvent in cosmetics, perfumes, personal care products, and food packaging. It typically enters the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.
3. Parabens: Used as preservatives in cosmetics, scented products, and pharmaceuticals. Again, typically entering the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.
4. Dioxins: These are byproducts of industrial processes, such as waste incineration and the manufacturing of pesticides. It accumulates in the soil and can be ingested via food products, particularly animal fats.
5. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Although now banned in many countries, PCBs were widely used in electrical equipment and other industrial applications, and have leached into the water system, most prevalent in fish and animal products.

These chemicals are a provocative topic of debate within the scientific and health community. One doctor advocates that “EDCs are not inherently bad,” while another health system professional forecasts a future akin to The Handmaid’s Tale if EDC use and exposure continues.?

Debate aside, the widespread environmental exposure to EDCs, reports indicating their hormone-mimicking properties, and an increase in global infertility have raised increasing concern among the public, health system, and regulatory communities about their potential impact on human health and wildlife.?

The Impact on Female Hormones and Fertility

As it relates to fertility and reproductive health, research on EDC exposure indicates that harmful effects of these chemicals can start in utero during the embryonic development of the female reproductive system, persist through puberty, and continue into adulthood, ultimately affecting the timing of reproductive ageing.

This includes:?

Hormonal Disruption

When EDCs bind to estrogen receptors in the body, they can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and overall reproductive health and increase the risk of certain hormonal cancers. For example, BPA has been shown to alter the function of the ovaries and disrupt the production of estrogen and progesterone, essential hormones in female reproduction.

Fertility Issues

Exposure to EDCs is linked with reduced fertility in women. Phthalates, for example, have been associated with lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, which may indicate diminished fertility. Similarly, BPA exposure has been linked to reduced egg quality, altered menstrual cycles, and a higher risk of miscarriages.

Prenatal Exposure & Pregnancy Complications

EDC exposure during pregnancy is highly concerning, as it can affect both the mother and the developing foetus. Prenatal exposure to certain EDCs, such as phthalates and those found in pesticides, can lead to brain developmental problems in children and long-term consequences, including reproductive health complications and increased risk of obesity and diabetes. For example, prenatal exposure to BPA and phthalates during pregnancy can disrupt foetal development, and synthetic pesticides and PCBs can lead to early menarche in girls (a girl's first menstrual period), which is a risk factor for several adult diseases, including breast cancer and cardiovascular conditions.?

Unlike traditional toxicology (the measurement and analysis of potential toxins), where "the dose makes the poison," EDCs can cause harm even at minimal levels. They often exhibit “non-monotonic dose-response curves,” meaning that their effects do not always increase with higher doses.

And there is a growing concern for men too:?

“Epidemiological data indicate that the increase in reproductive problems in males in the last 50 years is correlated with the increase of EDCs in the environment, being associated with a decrease in semen quality.” ResearchGate

Global Response: Take the Precautionary Principle?

It’s important to acknowledge that while extensive research has already been conducted on certain EDCs, further investigation is needed to understand the full scope of their impacts and fill research gaps. This includes looking into newer chemicals for concern, the combined effects of multiple EDCs (“cocktail effect”), generational health outcomes, the variability in individual susceptibility and the role of genetics in mediating EDC effects.

However, given what we currently know, many health professionals advocate for the precautionary principle;

If there is evidence of potential harm, even if not fully established, measures should be taken to minimise exposure.?

Health System Guidance:?Guidance offered by official health services in Europe, the UK, the US, and Australia, when delivering fertility services such as IVF or hormone-based cancer services, advise that until parabens are proven safe beyond doubt, they should be avoided, especially in products targeted at women and children.

Regulatory Action:?Regulatory bodies like the European Union (EU), the World Health Organization (WHO), and others have recognised the risks associated with EDCs. For instance, the EU has banned or restricted many EDCs in consumer goods, especially in products intended for children, such as toys and baby bottles.

“Regulation has eventually caught up with public concerts. In 2014 The European Commission banned the use of 5 parabens due to the lack of data necessary for reassessment.” Chemistry World

Recommendations For You?

1. Choose Safer Products: Look for products labelled as free from BPA, phthalates, and parabens. Many companies now offer EDC-free options, especially in cosmetics, personal care, and food storage. There are also a growing number of apps to help make this easier for you - Think Dirty is one of the most active and highly rated in this space.?
2. Eat Organic: Whenever possible, choose organic produce to reduce exposure to pesticides - it is important to note the word “reduce” as organic produce can still be exposed to pesticides in soil and water. Look up the most trusted “Organic Certified” providers in your country or region. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly can also help minimise pesticide residues.
3. Limit Plastic Use: Avoid using plastic containers for food and drinks, particularly when heating them, as heat can cause EDCs to leach out. Opt for glass, stainless steel, or other alternatives.

Disclaimer: I’m not a healthcare professional, nor is my content sponsored - any apps or services listed are through research or personal use.?

If you have feedback on this article, insights to add, or resources to recommend, I’d love to hear from you - please direct message me!?

Additional citations: WHO / European Commission / NIH / EHP / SpringerLink / PubMed / ScienceDaily / Nature / Food Packaging Forum / BioMed Central