Endocrine Disruptors Found in Household Products

by | Jul 3, 2023 | Wellness Blogs

This article will discuss what the Endocrine System is, what Endocrine Disruptors are, how Endocrine Disruptors can affect your health, and what you can do about them.

The Endocrine System

The Endocrine System is a network of hormone-producing glands in your body. In fact, hormones are responsible for the functioning of almost every cell, organ, and muscle in your body. Examples of hormones are testosterone, estrogen, insulin, adrenaline, thyroxin (thyroid), and melatonin.

How the Endocrine System Works with Hormone Receptors

The Endocrine System (TES) constantly monitors all the hormone levels in your blood. When the level of a particular hormone is low, TES tells the related gland to produce more of the hormone. When that hormone level is high, TES tells the gland to produce less of the hormone. Therefore, TES helps keep your hormone levels balanced.

Hormones send signals to tell your body what to do and when to do it. Hormones carry messages through your blood to your organs, muscles, and cells. Every cell contains hormone receptors that wait for messages from the hormones. When a hormone wants to tell your body to do something, the hormone will bind (fit) into the hormone receptor of the cell. There are various hormone receptors, and each type of receptor will recognize only one hormone. For example, a thyroid hormone would not be able to bind to an insulin receptor cell. Only an insulin hormone could fit into an insulin receptor to tell the insulin cell what to do.

Functions of the Endocrine System

Hormones affect almost every process in your body such as:

  • Metabolism – Various hormones affect your metabolism. For example, the insulin hormone allows your cells to absorb blood sugar to use as energy or to store it for later use. A person with low insulin levels will have high blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes. Insulin is vital for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat. Thyroxine (the thyroid hormone) also affects metabolism. A low level of thyroxine (hypothyroidism) can cause a person to easily gain weight as the body slows down, begins storing more fat than necessary and uses less energy. Other hormones responsible for metabolism are leptin (the “satiety hormone”), ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”), and testosterone.
  • Energy – As stated earlier, a person with low insulin levels will have high blood sugar, which can cause low energy. Too much sugar stays in your blood instead of moving into your cells where it’s needed for energy, causing lethargy.
  • Mood and Emotions – A group of hormones nicknamed the “feel-good hormones” have been shown to produce happy, euphoric feelings. Low levels of such hormones as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin can lead to depression.1
  • Growth and Development – The pituitary hormone is vital for growth and development. Studies have shown that children who lack the pituitary hormone will have shorter than normal growth compared to their parents (dwarfism). Other hormones responsible for growth are thyroxine, testosterone, and estrogen.2
  • Sexual Function and Fertility – Men with a low level of testosterone may experience a low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of hair, and lower muscle strength. Women with a low level of estrogen may experience infertility and sleep issues.
  • Blood Pressure and Immune System – The cortisol hormone is released when a person is stressed. Chronic stress will lead to a high cortisol level causing high blood pressure and a weak immune system.
  • Sleep – Melatonin (the “sleep” hormone) helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Your body increases melatonin production in the late evening to help you sleep and produces less in the morning to help you wake up. Low melatonin levels can delay how long it takes you to fall asleep and reduce your sleep quality (the amount of time you actually spend asleep).

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine Disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the Endocrine System (TES). Endocrine Disruptors are referred to as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs).

EDCs can cause the Endocrine System to malfunction and are unhealthy for several reasons:

  • EDCs can affect gland function by causing it to produce too much or too little of a hormone.
  • They can block the pathway between a natural hormone and a hormone receptor. EDCs can bind to hormone receptors, which then block natural hormones from binding. For example, if an EDC binds to a testosterone receptor, the natural testosterone hormone cannot bind to the receptor, and the cells would not get the message to produce testosterone.
  • EDCs can trick a receptor by pretending to be a hormone causing your body to overreact or to react when it’s not supposed to.

EDCs are known to affect the brain, immune and reproductive systems, and various cancers.3 Even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe. TES functions optimally when there is very little change in hormone levels, and so even small changes in hormone levels caused by the EDCs can result in significant biological effects on one’s health.

Where EDCs are Found

EDCs can be found everywhere in our environment such as:

  • Personal care products
  • Cleaning products
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Metal food cans (liner)
  • Cosmetics
  • Plastic bottles
  • Cash register receipts

Unfortunately, EDCs are found in many household products, and it is very difficult for consumers to avoid them. To make matters worse, most EDCs are unregulated in the U.S., which means there are no restrictions for manufacturers to keep them out of household products. Other countries have stricter regulations on EDCs than the U.S. For example, the European Union has restricted 1300 cosmetic EDC ingredients, while the U.S. has banned only 11 EDCs.

As a consumer, it is our job to research what is safe for us. Do not rely on regulators. Be your own advocate. Through seeking information, we can make informed choices. We have the power to decide what to use in our household.

Common EDCs Found in Household Products

When shopping for household items, try to avoid products that contain these ingredients:

  • Parabens – are a preservative commonly found in toothpaste, hair care products (shampoo), deodorant, shaving cream, cologne/perfume, lotion, personal lubricant, makeup, and some suntan products. Parabens can mimic the female hormone (estrogen) and interfere with the production of hormones.4 Studies have shown that parabens can increase estrogen levels in women. One study found that 18 out of 20 breast cancer tissue samples had Parabens on tumors of the breast.5 Consumers should be aware of the risks of using personal care products that contain Parabens. This EDC can decrease testosterone levels in men and signal testicular cells to die early, which can lead to male infertility.
  • Phthalates – act as a scent binder and are used to make a scent last longer on your skin or clothing. Phthalates are commonly found in cologne, perfume, hair products, laundry detergent, and sunscreen. They are also used in nail polish to bind the polish to your nail. Like Parabens, Phthalates are able to resemble natural estrogen and increase estrogen levels that can disrupt the female reproductive system function. Phthalates have been linked to decreased male fertility.6
  • Fragrance – EDCs can be hidden in the ingredient list when listed as “Fragrance” or “Parfum.” “Fragrance” or “Parfum” can pretty much mean anything, as there is no law that requires manufacturers to disclose what chemicals are contained in them! This loophole allows manufacturers to hide the presence of EDCs under “Fragrance.” Studies have shown that products have had dozens and even up to hundreds of EDCs grouped under “Fragrance.”
  • Sulfate – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient found in most shampoos, body washes, soaps, toothpaste, cleaners, and detergents. SLS is a surfactant and detergent that produces lather, giving consumers the impression that the cleaning product is more effective, while there actually no direct correlation that lather makes cleaning more effective. High sulfate concentrations can cause lung and skin irritations. SLS has been linked to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, and even cancer.7
  • Triclosan (TCS) – TCS is an anti-bacterial agent found in antibacterial hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes, dishwashing liquid, detergent, mouthwash, toothpaste, facial cleanser, aftershave, deodorant, lotion, and creams. Studies have shown no evidence that TCS in antimicrobial soaps provides a benefit over washing with regular soap and water, while it can cause an added risk of antimicrobial resistance.8 The FDA recognizes this fact and ruled in 2016 that companies can no longer include TCS in soaps sold in the U.S. However, the FDA’s rule does not include hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes, or other products previously mentioned. Studies have also shown that TCS can affect hormones, cause cancer cells to grow, and makes it easier for antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA to grow in your nose and throat.9
  • Synthetic Musk – is a fragrance compound found in most colognes and perfumes. It is also found in scented soaps, hair products, detergents, softeners, body wash, sprays, and lotions. Synthetic musks are lipophilic (ability to dissolve in fats) and have been found to build up and be stored in body fat.10 It is an EDC, and exposure to synthetic fragrances may be linked to the development of autism spectrum disorder.11
  • Ultraviolet (UV) Filters – UV Filters are found in chemical sunscreens, lip balms, and facial moisturizers. UV Filters work by absorbing UV rays and are easily absorbed through the skin. About 80% of sunscreens contain the UV Filter ingredient Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone has been shown to cause hormonal disruption, skin irritation, and even skin cancer.12

People often think that household products with EDCs aren’t harmful as your skin acts as a barrier to keep them out. But EDCs are able to pass through the skin, and even the fingernails, and enter your bloodstream. To reduce toxic load, try avoiding household products that contain EDCs.

How to Avoid EDCs in Household Products

Reduce your exposure to EDCs by:

  • Use unscented personal care products – As previously stated, manufacturers do not have to disclose which chemicals they use to make fragrances. To avoid unwanted EDCs, use personal care products that do not contain any synthetic fragrances. If you find scent-free personal care products boring, try adding essential oils to the product for a natural scent. For example, essential oils can be added to lotion, shampoo, soap, deodorant, shaving cream, cleaning products, etc., to provide a fragrant scent. It’s important to use only 100% pure essential oils as there are many essential oils sold that are synthetic and adulterated as I discussed in my “Purity of an Essential Oil” Blog.
  • Use basic cleaners – For household cleaning, use vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, and other basic cleaners. I use a Cleaner Concentrate that contains plant-based surfactants that are non-toxic and free of sulfates, phthalates, dyes, and chlorine. The Doterra Cleaner Concentrate can be used as a multi-purpose cleaner, in the bathroom and kitchen, on dishes, floors, and on other tough jobs.
  • Use basic hand soap – For hand washing, use basic hand soap that does not contain any EDCs. I use a Foaming Hand Wash that contains natural surfactants and is free from parabens, phosphates, dyes, and synthetic fragrances.
  • Use mineral sunscreen – To avoid unwanted EDCs, use mineral sunscreens that do not contain chemicals like oxybenzone. Mineral sunscreens contain UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that deflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays. I use a mineral sunscreen that contains no toxins (does not contain oxybenzone, phenoxyethanol, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances).
  • Avoid cologne and perfume – Cologne and perfume contain EDCs. Try using essential oils as a natural fragrance that is free of chemicals. I demonstrate how to use essential oils as a natural fragrant in this video.

As an informed consumer, you can avoid harmful substances that can cause serious side effects by choosing chemical-free personal care products. Choose natural products that do not contain EDCs to help you stay healthy. I hope this article was helpful in providing you with information about endocrine disruptors and what you can do to avoid such additives. If you have any questions, send me a message at RoseExcellenceCoach@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Rose 🌹