Chemicals are everywhere in this world we live in.
From clothing and plastics to pesticides, foods, skincare and makeup. Consequently, it can be a challenge to step out of the chemical soup.
As a result, in my experience, once we’re past 40 these things can magnify the symptoms of peri/menopause.
To help you make sense of it all, we’ve zoned in on some substances that are worth ditching. Keep reading to learn what to look for, where these things are, and how you can avoid them.
5 Chemicals that mess up your hormones:
Here are the five chemicals that are harmful to your body and mess with your hormones. Unfortunately, they can be found everywhere.
1. BPA:
BPA or Bisphenol A is an environmental estrogen. The disturbing thing is it can damage your endocrine system, lead to hormonal disorders and even cancer. Frequently found in plastics, canned items, and on up to 40% of retail thermal receipt paper, BPA is a known hormone disruptor.
However, experts are polarised and say the jury is out regarding their danger to humans.
Dr Anna Callan, School of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science at Edith Cowan University Western Australia, had this to say:
“The chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) appears in many products that we use regularly.
Studies measuring metabolites of BPA in urine have revealed that almost everyone tested is exposed to BPA, which is of concern as it’s able to mimic estrogen and has been implicated in a range of adverse health effects. Most people are aware that BPA is found in polycarbonate refillable water bottles and baby bottles. And, in response to public demand, many manufacturers now offer products that are BPA free.
It is less commonly known that BPA is also found in other places such as the lining of tin cans and the surface of thermal paper used in till receipts.
It is important that we understand not only the potential health effects of exposure to chemicals such as BPA, but also how people are exposed to them.
Understanding the sources of exposure allows us to look at ways in which people could alter their behaviour in order to reduce their exposure. It also provides evidence to regulatory agencies and manufacturers so that they can consider changes to regulations and manufacturing processes in order to better protect the public.”
We always err on the side of caution. 🙂 To reduce your exposure, opt for glass food packaging. BPA-free cans and plastics might seem like an okay option, but they too have been found to contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.
2. Dioxin:
What are dioxins? Chemicals that form during industrial processes when chlorine or bromine are burned in the presence of carbon and oxygen.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) notes that dioxins:
Are highly toxic and can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune system, and interfere with hormones.
Are found throughout the world in the environment and they accumulate in the food chain. Mainly in the fatty tissue of animals.
More than 90% of human exposure is through food sources such as meat and dairy products, fish and shellfish.
While it’s nearly impossible to avoid dioxin exposure, you can reduce your risk of consuming it by avoiding animal products. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) says products including meat, fish, milk, eggs and butter are most likely to be contaminated.
3. Mercury:
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is naturally occurring. Research shows that mercury impacts the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal gland, and gonads (testes and ovaries). Subsequently, they can affect hormones as all of these are hormone-producing and hormone-sensitive organs.
There are ways to detox mercury from the body but it’s best to avoid it in the first place where you can.
Most of the mercury in the environmentis a result of coal burning, steel production, and some forms of manufacturing. Additionally, mercury is present in some glass thermometers, amalgam dental fillings, as well as some seafood. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), novelty jewellery can also contain mercury. So can some thermometers, barometers, switches, thermostats, and electrical switches. Indeed, another common source of mercury is Thimerosal, a preservative in some vaccines.
To reduce exposure, insist on mercury-free dental work and steer clear of coal-burning stoves and coal plants.
4. Perchlorate:
Perchlorate is a component of rocket fuel that is also in fertilisers. It contaminates produce and soil (and, as a result, groundwater too). When perchlorate gets into the body, it competes with iodine, which the thyroid needs to make thyroid hormones.
This is something we wish to avoid as many women over 40 can develop a hypothyroid or underactive thyroid. And a sluggish thyroid means a sluggish body in terms of metabolism and energy. In addition to hindering thyroid hormone balance, perchlorate impacts gut health too.
The EWG (Environmental Working Group) suggests that you can reduce perchlorate in your drinking water by installing a water filter. Here are New Zealand’s water standards. It’s pretty much impossible to avoid perchlorate in food, but you can potentially reduce its effects by getting adequate iodine in your diet. Sea vegetables like nori, dulse and kelp sprinkles are good sources of iodine.
5. Perfluorinated Chemicals:
PFCS are designed to make surfaces non-stick. According to the EWG “Perfluorochemicals are so widespread and extraordinarily persistent that 99% of Americans have these chemicals in their bodies.” We can assume similar numbers down under.
One particularly notorious compound called PFOA has been shown to be “completely resistant to biodegradation.” In other words, PFOA doesn’t break down in the environment – ever. Consequently, although PFOA was banned after decades of use, it will show up in people’s bodies for generations to come.
This is particularly worrisome as PFOA exposure has been linked to a number of conditions. These include decreased sperm quality, low birth weight, kidney disease, thyroid disease and high cholesterol. Scientists are still figuring out how PFOA affects the human body. But animal studies have found that it can affect thyroid and sex hormone levels.”
To avoid PFCS, stay away from non-stick cookware and non-stick bakeware. Also avoid stain and water-resistant coatings on clothing, furniture and carpets
Final Verdict:
These are just five chemicals that mess with your hormones. Unfortunately, there are many more.
It can get overwhelming if you dig into all the harmful things in the environment, food supply, and the things we use daily. Do your best to be mindful and reduce your exposure where you can. Take steps to support your body’s innate detox system.
Eat healthily, sweat daily, ditch negativity, and be stress-less wherever possible.
