Your endocrine system releases hormones responsible for regulating the development and functioning of your organs. Your pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, thymus, pancreas, ovaries, and testes are glands that form part of the endocrine system. They release hormones into the bloodstream which act as chemical message carriers, couriering instructions to vital areas of your body.
Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances that are absorbed into the body and either block or imitate our hormones, causing major disruptions to the chemical messenger service that can result in a plethora of negative effects. Here are some everyday household items that could be hampering your hormones.
Water Bottles and Baby Toys
Perhaps the most common endocrine disruptor, bisphenol-A, or BPA, has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and infertility in adults. In children it can cause behavioral and developmental problems, especially when infants are exposed in utero. Mothers are opting for glass baby bottles or products that don’t contain BPA and are throwing out plastic baby toys that do.
Switch bottled water for filtered water and ensure that your water bottles are BPA-free.
Shower Curtains
Certain vinyl products like shower curtains and baby teething toys contain phthalate DEHP which is known to cause respiratory disorders. This endocrine disruptor can also be found in some cosmetic products and perfumes too. Phthalate DEHP has several adverse health effects including damage to the liver, kidneys and reproductive system. It has also been linked to mononuclear cell leukemia (MCL) and testicular tumors.
Air Fresheners and Dryer Sheets
These products contain BPA and other chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body which encourages the growth of breast cancer cells and may lead to early-onset puberty in teens. BPA has also been linked to reproductive problems, obesity and heart disease.
Anti-bacteria Soaps and Hand Sanitizers
While you may be protected from bacteria with these products, they contain triclosan which has been linked to a number of adverse health effects. Studies have turned up triclosan in breast milk and children exposed to it can develop allergies, asthma and eczema. Triclosan may also be linked to cancer, birth defects, infertility, miscarriage and weakening of the immune system.
Shampoos and Conditioners
Like many personal products and cosmetics, some shampoos and conditioners contain phthalates or parabens. Phthalates have been associated with changes in hormones, lower sperm counts for men as well as lower sperm motility, birth defects in the male reproductive system, thyroid irregularities, obesity and diabetes to name a few.
