The top 10 root causes for female hormone imbalances — Environmental & xenoestrogens
So now we know, too much estrogen can cause serious side effects in both women and men. But, did you also know that the same estrogen hormones that men and women produce in their bodies can also be mimicked in our environment? Every day we are being exposed to toxic estrogenic chemicals, also known as xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are a group of chemicals that mimic estrogen and can disrupt the body's natural hormonal processes. If you have teenage or young adult daughters you probably are more aware now than ever before on the recent trend for “natural” or non-toxic skin care. But did you know it’s said skin care, or perhaps your shampoo, deodorant or laundry detergent that could be the culprit of your hormonal issues? Xenoestrogens can be found in so many products including: Plastics, Sealants, Consumer goods, Preservatives, Pesticides, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Cleaning products, and Building supplies. And by coming in contact with these toxic estrogenic chemicals, especially overtime, we can end up with serious health consequences as a result.
This is as you may have guessed it, is number one on the list of Top 10 Root Causes for Female Hormone Imbalances -- Environmental and Xenoestrogens. Xeno -- meaning foreign, not of human form, ie synthetic – are sneaky. Xenoestrogens can enter the body through air, water, food, and other sources. They can act as estrogen molecules, triggering receptor pathways, or as anti-estrogens, blocking normal estrogenic activity. And it is these harmful estrogen compounds that disrupt our natural hormonal balance and can lead to a myriad of health complications. As we spoke of earlier, too much estrogen, especially toxic estrogen can lead to symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, low mood, irritability, skin issues, bloating, and weight gain. Man or woman, it is nearly impossible not to be exposed to some form of toxic estrogenic chemical.
When we are exposed over a long period of time, these phytoestrogens will eventually begin to dysregulate hormones, affect cortisol levels and weaken the thyroid. In fact, they are classified as endocrine disrupting chemicals. According to the World Health Organization, endocrine disrupting hormones are suspected to be associated with altered reproductive function in males and females, increased incidence of breast cancer, abnormal growth patterns and neurodevelopmental delays in children, as well as changes in immune function.
However, xenoestrogens can also be of natural origin. The most abundant class of natural xenoestrogens is represented by phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that have a similar structure to estrogen and can also cause estrogen-like effects in the body. They are found in many foods, including:
Soy: Contains isoflavones, which are the most abundant phytoestrogens in soy products
Flaxseed: Contains lignans, which are common phytoestrogens in fruits, grains, and seeds
Red clover: Contains coumestans
Sunflower seeds: Contain coumestans
Bean sprouts: Contain coumestans
Beer: Contains prenylflavonoids
Here are some examples of synthetic xenoestrogens to be aware of:
Bisphenol A (BPA): A chemical found in plastics, dental sealants, receipts, and canned food, especially when heated.
Phthalates: A plasticizer found in air fresheners, personal care/beauty products, scented candles, and toilet sprays
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): A flame retardant found in foam products, mattresses, and upholstered furniture
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A chemical found in non-stick cookware, raincoats, and fire fighting foam
Parabens: A (synthetic) preservative found in some foods and beauty products
Glyphosate and atrazine: Herbicides that can be found on fruit and vegetables
4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC): A chemical found in sunscreen lotions
Ethinylestradiol: A chemical found in combined oral contraceptive pills
Propyl gallate: A chemical used to protect oils and fats in products from carbonization
Long-term exposure to xenoestrogens have also been linked to a number of health conditions, including:
Breast, prostate, and testicular cancer; Obesity; Infertility; Endometriosis; Early onset puberty; Miscarriages; Diabetes
No one is perfect. I certainly am not. But I do try my best to avoid what I know to negatively affect my body. But it’s nearly impossible to steer clear of every toxic chemical or food or product, etc that we know are inherently “bad” for us. It all comes down to the liver and the toxic overload the liver must endure. Too much toxicity equals “disease.” Not only is it important to understand the levels of toxicity we are dealing with in our environment, but more important is that we educate ourselves on better, non-toxic alternatives, find ways to minimize our exposure and take steps to detox and cleanse our bodies to support our liver function.
If you are interested in checking if any of the products you are using in your household contain harmful chemicals, you can visit http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ There is also an app you can download called Yuka. You can use it while shopping to scan product QR codes and the app will give you a rating on the product. In good health, Trine.