Enemies of the Endocrine System

Hormones are physiologically active substances secreted by the endocrine glands in the body – ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, etc. Hormones regulate whole-body metabolism, puberty, and fertility. Our mood, behavior, and decisions depend on them. Doctors often encounter health disorders in patients caused by hormonal imbalance, and various ways to correct it are being sought.

In recent years, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have raised great concern among scientists. Currently, more than a thousand of them are known worldwide. EDCs are also called “hormonal impostors” because they can “mimic” biological hormones and cause an excess of hormones or block the action of real hormones.

Effects of EDCs

Every day, we inhale, ingest, and apply to our skin many different EDCs, as they are abundant in our everyday environment: water, food, cosmetics, plastic packaging for food and beverages, toys, carpets, air, etc. Pregnant women, newborns, and children are the most sensitive to the effects of these substances.

Even small amounts of EDCs can have long-term negative consequences that do not always manifest immediately. EDCs can increase the risk of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), cognitive dysfunction, puberty and menstrual cycle disorders, pregnancy complications, impotence, infertility, diabetes, obesity, or even cancer. The problem is further compounded by the fact that we are usually exposed to several chemicals simultaneously. This creates a “toxic cocktail” of concern to scientists, the effects of which on human health are not yet fully understood.

Why Are Xenoestrogens Dangerous?

In both male and female bodies, the female hormones estrogens are produced in the gonads and adrenal glands. These are building hormones closely involved in protein metabolism. They promote the use of proteins for DNA replication and cell building, starting from the nucleus. The primary goal of estrogens is not human reproduction, but body renewal.

Recently, the amount of xenoestrogens in our environment has been increasing – these are chemicals that, once entered into the body, mimic estrogens and can cause excessive activity of these hormones. This can promote the development of fibroids and increase the risk of cancer. One of the most well-known xenoestrogens is bisphenol A (BPA). It is found in plastic food packaging, plastic dishware, toys, the inner lining of cans, and even store receipts. Numerous scientific studies have proven that BPA increases the risk of breast, prostate, and uterine cancer. As information about BPA toxicity spread, it began to be replaced by other substances, such as bisphenols S and F. These compounds are labeled as “BPA-free” in the hope that they are less toxic. Unfortunately, animal studies have shown that these bisphenols also exert harmful effects on estrogens and other hormones.

Other EDCs include parabens, which are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, various hygiene products (deodorants, hair care and shaving products), as well as in pharmaceuticals and food. Parabens also mimic estrogen action and can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Xenoestrogens also include the heavy metal cadmium, associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. It can be found in tobacco, vegetables contaminated with fuel, grains, and rice.

Impact on Women's Health

EDCs are associated with menstrual cycle disorders, infertility, premature ovarian insufficiency, and early menopause. They also increase the risk of developing fibroids and endometrial cancer.

Can Cause Infertility

The ovaries are among the endocrine glands most sensitive to environmental impact. EDCs can impair ovarian function and increase the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (i.e., their early aging or impairment) and early menopause.

Once inside the body, EDCs cause oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance, and can disrupt the natural maturation of ovarian follicles, accelerate the decline in their number, and reduce female fertility. Various environmental toxins, such as parabens, BPA, other bisphenols, pesticides, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in textiles, non-stick pans, and food packaging, have been proven to be associated with a reduced ovarian reserve in women and can contribute to ovarian aging.

Phthalates and BPA – some of the most widespread EDCs – can disrupt the production of sex hormones in the ovaries, cause hormonal imbalance, and lead to menstrual cycle and ovulation disorders.

Influences Endometriosis

Endometriosis is also increasingly linked to EDC exposure. It is a chronic gynecological disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) begins to grow outside the uterus and can cause infertility.

Phthalates are chemical substances widespread in the home environment: in vinyl flooring, adhesives, floor and wall coverings, various building materials, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products. They are also found in children's toys, personal care products, and perfumes. Phthalates can increase the invasiveness of endometrial tissue, which can contribute to the development of endometriosis. Studies have revealed a link between elevated levels of phthalates in a woman's urine and an increased risk of advanced-stage endometriosis. Higher urinary concentrations of BPA have also been found to be associated with a higher risk of pelvic peritoneal endometriosis. In addition, pesticides may also increase the risk of endometriosis.

Increases the Risk of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a fairly common condition in women of reproductive age, characterized by increased activity of male hormones. PCOS can cause menstrual cycle irregularities, infertility, increased body hair, and acne. Insulin resistance can also increase, leading to weight gain and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Studies show that BPA plays a role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome or may exacerbate symptoms by increasing male hormone production and inducing insulin resistance.

Effects on Pregnancy and the Fetus

Chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and pesticides reduce the chances of conception and can lead to early miscarriages and other pregnancy complications.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which were previously widely used in the manufacture of electrical equipment and hydraulic fluids, as well as phthalates, lower egg quality and disrupt ovulation, thereby reducing fertility and prolonging the time to conception.

EDCs can disrupt placental hormone production, cause oxidative stress, and alter the expression of genes essential for fetal growth and nutrient transport. EDCs increase the risk of various pregnancy complications, such as spontaneous miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

The developing fetus in the womb is the most vulnerable to EDC damage, as its organs are forming during this time. A pregnant woman's exposure to EDCs can have long-term negative consequences not only for the fetus in the womb, but also for its offspring.

It has been proven that BPA and other chemicals can cross the placental and blood-brain barriers, potentially harming the fetus. Studies show that prenatal exposure to EDCs increases the risk of low birth weight, delayed brain development and behavioral disorders in early childhood, asthma, allergies, or pubertal disorders. Even low doses of BPA can cause genital developmental anomalies in fetuses of both sexes.

Harmful to Men as Well

Various chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, PFAS, PCBs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (used as flame retardants in textiles and electronics), pesticides, and herbicides negatively affect sperm quality and reduce male fertility. Numerous studies have proven that various chemicals can have estrogenic or anti-androgenic effects and reduce levels of the male hormone testosterone. Prenatal exposure to EDCs increases the risk of testicular developmental anomalies, hypospadias (a congenital defect where the urethra opens in an atypical location), and can decrease male fertility in adulthood. Pesticides and phthalates have anti-androgenic effects, increasing the risk of prostate cancer and testicular anomalies. BPA also has an estrogenic effect—it can lower male libido, cause erectile dysfunction, or even increase the risk of prostate cancer.

How Can We Help Ourselves?

Facing various chemicals daily, it is important to take care of liver health, as it is the body's primary detoxification organ. Plants beneficial to the liver include milk thistle and greater burdock. It would be beneficial to increase fiber intake, as it helps eliminate xenoestrogens, as well as consume enough fluids and avoid constipation. It is recommended to include cruciferous vegetables (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.) in the diet, which support liver detoxification and help eliminate excess estrogen from the body. It is important to mention that consuming these vegetables raw can suppress thyroid function.

It is hardly ever possible to completely avoid contact with endocrine-disrupting chemicals, but even small efforts on our part can contribute to better health.

Choose naturally grown or organic fruits and vegetables without pesticides, and wash them thoroughly before consumption.

Choose seasonal, local, unpackaged foods.

Avoid food in cans, plastic packaging, or plastic bottles. If you do buy water in a plastic bottle, pour it into a glass and do not reuse the bottle.

Choose glass, ceramic, or stainless steel instead of plastic for food storage.

Do not heat food in plastic containers.

Use eco-friendly household cleaning products.

Choose cosmetics, perfumes, and personal care products free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, triclosan, benzophenones (UV filters), and other chemicals.

Wash new clothes before wearing them.

Avoid products marked with "PC" (polycarbonate) or "PVC".

Avoid buying children's clothing with PVC prints or decals—they may contain phthalates.

When purchasing items, look for labels such as "BPA-, BPS-, and BPF-free" and "phthalate-free".