The Environment & Your Hormones
How the environment contributes to hormone imbalance, chronic disease, and endless women’s health concerns.
Persistent organic pollutants (POP) are described by the WHO as “chemicals of global concern due to their potential for long-range transport, persistence in the environment and ability to bio-magnify and bio-accumulate in ecosystems, as well as their significant negative effects on human health and the environment”. Xenoestrogens (more commonly known as endocrine disruptors) are classified under POPs. So what are xenoestrogens? Xenoestrogens are environmental estrogens that behave like estrogen in the body. They bind to estrogen receptors in the body creating an estrogen dominant effect and creating imbalance to the body’s homeostasis (normal state) that leads to unwanted symptoms and disease. Xenoestrogens are found in plastics, air fresheners, perfumes, non organic foods, receipts, hair dyes, birth control pills, home furnishings, dental sealants, food containers, canned foods, herbicides, weed killers, pesticides, cosmetics, toys, dyes, laundry products and cleaning products. Here’s why we care: an estrogen dominance will create a hormonal imbalance resulting in symptoms such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, breast tenderness, migraines, decrease sex drive, endometroiosis, anxiety, depression, fatigue and weight gain. Sound familiar? Because it is. We have an entire generation of young women that has been exposed to these toxins since the time of conception. These pollutants are found to accumulate in fatty tissues such as reproductive organs, breast tissue and the brain. There has been an incredible rise in infertility, PCOS, endometriosis and reproductive cancers. So let’s circle back: the WHO describes xenoestrogens (that we have clarified are in all of our everyday products) as chemicals of global concern for their negative effects on human health. Let that sink in. Educating on the toxic effects of the environment is not at the top of the list in schools, health care settings or homes due to its controversial nature, difficulty in identification and unawareness. It’s overwhelming reading the products, the symptoms and the effects, but the changes are simple. Here are 15 quick changes you can implement in your own home.
Switch out plastic food containers for glass or stainless steel
Have your receipts emailed rather than printed
Switch out cosmetic products (stay tuned for a list of favorites)
Overhaul cleaning supplies
Use dryer balls instead of laundry sheets
Filter your water
Buy organic
Switch out lawn care (hello @sundaylawncare)
Minimize canned foods and opt for fresh produce
Use your own reusable grocery and produce bags at the store
Unplug all scents/plugins
Burn clean candles
13. Use parchment paper for baking
Use Natural Cycles for birth control
Avoid food dyes
