Understanding the Link Between Environmental Toxins and Hormone Disruption
Compounds that disrupt the endocrine system, which is responsible for creating and regulating hormones, are called Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, or EDC’s.
EDC’s interfere with hormones in a variety of ways. Sometimes they imitate hormones, causing the body to produce less on it’s own. Other times, EDC’s prevent hormones from sending their chemical message, which is their main function, by obstructing them from reaching their target. Two of the most common systems affected by hormone disruption are the reproductive and nervous systems.
In females, reproduction systems issues may manifest in the form of delayed puberty, early onset breast cancer, infertility, irregular menstruation and uterine fibroids. In males, in can cause decreased sperm formation and motility, causing infertility, as well as decreased testosterone levels and increased rates of prostate cancer.
EDC’s can also lead to problems with the nervous system. They can cause learning disorders, behavioral problems, aggressiveness and affect both fine and gross motor skills.
Some of the most common EDC’s are:
• Atrazine – found in pesticides
• Bisphenol A (BPA) – found in canned food and plastics
• Dioxin - found in animal fatty tissue, especially meat, dairy and fish (including shellfish)
• Lead – lead paint and lead pipes (such as in old houses), old toys, stained glass and leaded glassware
• Parabens and Phthalates – found in plastics, detergents and even personal care items such as soaps and shampoo
• Glyphosate – a common herbicide
• Perchlorate – found in milk and produce
• Triclosan – found in hand sanitizers
If you are interested in learning more about how EDC’s may be affecting you personally, contact us to learn more.