How Endocrine Disruptors Affect Menstrual Cycles and Fertility

Have you ever stopped to consider how many chemicals you encounter daily? Did you know that the average woman unknowingly exposes herself to 515 synthetic chemicals daily through personal care products? Shockingly, about 60 percent of what we apply to our skin gets absorbed into our bodies.[1]

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health, particularly on menstrual cycles and fertility. EDCs are substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, disrupting the delicate balance of hormones in the body. In this blog, we will explore what EDCs are, how they can impair menstrual health and fertility, and discuss practical steps to create a toxic-free home environment.

What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a diverse group of substances that can interfere with the body's endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormones. These chemicals can disrupt the production, release, transport, metabolism, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body, leading to adverse health effects.

EDCs can mimic natural hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone, and bind to hormone receptors, activating or blocking their effects. They can also interfere with hormone synthesis or metabolism, leading to imbalances in hormone levels. Additionally, EDCs can disrupt the communication between hormone-producing glands and their target organs, leading to dysfunction in various bodily processes.[2]

Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) may contribute to the risk of conditions like endometriosis and infertility, as evidenced by research highlighting the impact of heavy metals such as Cadmium and lead on women's health. Studies have shown elevated Cadmium levels in women with endometriosis, while lower lead levels were observed in pregnant patients compared to non-pregnant individuals, suggesting a potential detrimental effect of lead on fertility.[3]

EDC and Xenoestrogens is the same? 

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) encompass a wide range of synthetic or naturally occurring substances that interfere with the body's hormonal balance. Xenestrogens, a subset of EDCs, specifically mimic estrogen, contributing to hormonal imbalances and adverse health effects.[7] Both EDCs and xenestrogens are found in everyday products and can disrupt the endocrine system, posing risks to human health.

EDCs can be found in a wide range of everyday products, including:

1. Industrial Chemicals: Many industrial chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are known EDCs. [5] These chemicals are used in the production of plastics, food packaging, flame retardants, and non-stick coatings.
2. Pesticides: Certain pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture contain EDCs that can contaminate soil, water, and food crops. These chemicals can disrupt hormone signaling in humans and wildlife.
3. Personal Care Products: Many personal care products, such as cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions, contain EDCs like parabens, triclosan, and phthalates. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and disrupt hormonal balance.[6]
4. Household Products: Household products like cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and vinyl flooring can contain EDCs that can be released into the air or leach into indoor dust, exposing inhabitants to harmful chemicals.
5. Food and Water: EDCs can also enter the body through contaminated food and water. Pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables, as well as chemicals leaching from food packaging, can contribute to EDC exposure.
   
   

Impact of EDCs on Menstrual Health and Fertility

Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) can profoundly affect fertility and menstrual cycle regulation. EDCs have been shown to disrupt ovarian function, ovulation, and the development of the uterine lining, leading to menstrual irregularities and reduced fertility. These chemicals alter the levels of key reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropins, upsetting the delicate hormonal balance necessary for normal cycle function. Studies show that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can lead to premature puberty and more body changes due to that.[4] Moreover, EDCs can impede the liver's detoxification process, causing an accumulation of toxins in the body, leading to systemic inflammation and hormonal imbalances, manifesting in various symptoms.

Creating a Toxic-Free Home Environment

While this all may sound very concerning, there are A LOT of things that are within your own power. Let.s look at some very practical and easy steps you can take to reduce your and your family's exposure to EDCs.

Practical steps you can take to reduce exposure to EDCs:

1. Choose organic produce whenever possible to avoid pesticides and herbicides.[8]
2. Choose natural and safer home cleaning alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice for effective cleaning without harsh chemicals
3. Use glass or stainless steel containers for food storage instead of plastic
4. For cooking opt for cast iron and stainless steel avoid cookware with Teflon or PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
5. Filter drinking water to remove contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals.Consider filtering your water with activated carbon filters.
6. Avoid products containing BPA, such as plastic water bottles and food containers and avoid reheating food in microwave [9]
7. Choose organic, non-toxic menstrual products made from organic cotton or medical-grade silicone.
8. When selecting skincare and makeup products, prioritize organic options that use natural ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals like sulphates, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. 
9. To ensure the safety of your skincare and makeup choices, utilise resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database. This database provides ratings and detailed information on the ingredients found in various products, helping you make informed decisions about the products you use on your skin.
10.  If you do like smells in your home for natural alternatives like soy or beeswax candles, essential oil diffusers, and perfumes made from natural ingredients to minimise exposure to synthetic fragrances and other harmful compounds in indoor environments.
11. Ensure adequate ventilation in your home by opening windows often to improve indoor air quality and reduce the concentration of pollutants.
12. Keep a shoe-free home to minimise bringing outdoor pollutants inside, particularly important for households with children and pets.

Research references: 

1. https://www.eea.europa.eu/signals-archived/signals-2020/articles/living-healthily-in-a-chemical-world
2. https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/what-edcs-are/common-edcs/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8842637/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749122004833?via%3Dihub
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23808741/
6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/triclosan
7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230614329
8. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240226204702.htm
9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022005037

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