The Hidden Hormone Disruptors in Your Daily Life
The Top 6 Endocrine Disruptors in Your Daily Life
Did you know that your everyday environment may be interfering with your hormones? From the products we use to the food we eat, many modern conveniences come with a hidden cost: endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs. What is endocrine? Endocrine refers to the system in the body made up of glands that produce and release hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to regulate various functions, such as metabolism, growth, mood, reproduction, and stress response. Basically, they regulate all of the important functions in the body!
The endocrine system includes glands like the thyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, pancreas, and ovaries or testes.
“Endocrine disruptors” are substances that can mimic, block, or throw off the natural balance of your hormones—and that can have ripple effects on everything from your energy levels and fertility to your thyroid and metabolism. They work by docking on the cell receptors of these hormones and essentially “blocking” the receptor from the hormone messenger.
As women, paying attention to this is vitally important for our health. On average, women are exposed to around 168 different chemicals each day, primarily through personal care and cosmetic products. This figure comes from a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which found:
The average woman uses 12 personal care products daily, such as shampoo, lotion, deodorant, makeup, and perfume.
Each of these products contains an average of 12 or more unique chemical ingredients.
Additionally, endocrine disruptors have been linked to autoimmune disorders, which are on the rise and are more common in women.
The FDA and Regulation
Unfortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the power to monitor cosmetics and there is no regulation around labeling. Labels that claim products are “green”, “natural”, or “organic” are unreliable. There is no government agency responsible for defining or regulating the manufacture of cosmetics. In other words, the FDA does not check to see if a product that claims to be “100% Organic” is actually 100% organic. This just stresses the importance of being an informed and educated consumer. Be aware that many chemicals in certain cosmetic products are toxic.
Here are six of the most common endocrine disruptors, where they hide, and how to ditch them in favor of more hormone-friendly choices.
1. BPA (Bisphenol A)
Found in: Plastic containers, water bottles, canned foods (linings), drinking straws, reusable coffee cups, baby bottles and cups, dental sealants, airline tickets and receipts.
Why it's a problem: BPA mimics estrogen in the body, which can throw off natural hormone balance and is linked to issues like infertility, PCOS, breast cancer risk, and metabolic disorders.
How to reduce exposure:
Choose glass or stainless-steel water bottles, straws, cups, and storage containers.
Check your kitchen cooking utensils for plastics and swap for wood or silicone
Bring your reusable stainless-steel cup to coffee shops
Use electronic airplane tickets
Say “no thanks” to thermal paper receipts, which also contain BPA. Fun Fact - In 2011, Connecticut became the first state to ban Bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal receipt paper, since women are most commonly handling the receipts, and endocrine disrupting chemicals impact women the most.
2. Phthalates
Found in: Fragranced products like perfumes, lotions, shampoos, air fresheners, vinyl flooring, and some plastics.
Why it's a problem: Phthalates can interfere with testosterone and estrogen, impacting reproductive health, mood, and development in children.
How to reduce exposure:
Go fragrance-free or use products scented with pure essential oils.
Read ingredient labels and avoid anything that says "fragrance" or "parfum."
Choose natural personal care and cleaning products. I prefer Branch Basics and Puracy for household cleaning products.
3. Parabens
Found in: Makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, and shaving products (often as methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.).
Why it's a problem: Parabens can mimic estrogen, causing estrogen dominance which contributes to breast cancer, endometriosis, and more. Parabens have been found in breast tissue and tumors. They’re also linked to reproductive and developmental issues.
How to reduce exposure:
Look for products labeled paraben-free.
Use the Think Dirty or EWG Healthy Living app to vet your personal care items.
Consider DIY options like oil cleansing or natural deodorants.
It is possible to have amazing, and clean, skincare! My personal favorites for lotion and skincare are Primally Pure and Crunchi (search my name to shop with me!)
4. Pesticides
Found in: Conventionally grown produce, non-organic grains, and lawn care products.
Why it's a problem: Pesticides can act as endocrine disruptors by mimicking or blocking hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones and may be linked to infertility and neurodevelopmental issues.
How to reduce exposure:
Prioritize organic produce, when possible, especially the Dirty Dozen.
Wash all fruits and veggies thoroughly with a vinegar solution.
Support local farms using organic practices. Search for local farms providing CSA’s, a great way to support local an eliminate pesticides in your diet for a reasonable price!
5. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Found in: Nonstick cookware (like Teflon), waterproof clothing, food packaging (especially grease-resistant ones), and stain-resistant furniture.
Why it's a problem: Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS don’t break down in the environment and are stored in our tissues, and have been linked to thyroid disease, immune dysfunction, hormone disruption, and even some cancers.
How to reduce exposure:
Switch to cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.
Avoid fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn.
Choose PFAS-free outdoor gear and stain protection products.
6. Flame Retardants
Found in: Furniture like couches and mattresses, electronics, keyboards, rugs, baby pajamas, baby nursing pillows, baby sleep sacks, car seats, strollers
Why it's a problem: These are a group of chemicals that are added to materials to help slow or prevent the spread of fire. They have been linked to thyroid dysfunction, lower IQ and developmental delays in children, hormone imbalance and fertility issues, and cancer and immune suppression.
How to reduce exposure:
· Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
· Purchase baby pajamas without flame retardants (the label will say whether it is fire resistant)
· Choose furniture and baby items labeled “free of added flame retardants”
· Prioritize organic cotton or wool, which is usually naturally flame resistant
Wrapping It Up
While we can’t live in a bubble, we can make mindful shifts that protect our hormones and support our body’s natural detox pathways. Reducing your exposure to these top endocrine disruptors is a powerful step toward balancing your hormones, boosting energy, and supporting fertility and vitality. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals is directly tied to autoimmune disorders, which are on the rise.
Knowledge is power! Start with one or two swaps and build from there—progress, not perfection, is the goal! When you run out of one product, swap it for another. If you need any personal product recommendations, please reach out!
If you’d like support navigating your hormone health through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes, I’d love to work with you. Click here to learn more about my 1:1 coaching offerings.