The concept of endocrine disruptors may be foreign to some of you, but there are many of you who struggle with endocrine disorders and are somewhat familiar with this topic. A beautiful customer I met this weekend (Lisa) inspired me to write about this topic rather than choosing an easier way of sending her links to read. As someone who has had so much graduate schooling and years in nursing, I know just where to find correct information and understand the medical lingo quite well. I am also a patient with a major endocrine disorder and with several family members suffering from thyroid disorders. So I can come in from both perspectives.
The endocrine system is quite responsive/sensitive to man-made or natural chemicals that come in contact with it. Its function can easily be copied, changed, or halted depending on the chemical. The consequence may have an effect on your brain, immune system, reproductive system, and many other problems or symptoms that are sometimes hard to medically diagnose.
Some of the most commonly identified chemicals that are considered endocrine disruptors are found in many household and beauty products including plastic containers, metal cans, cosmetics, toys, food, detergents, pesticides, and flame retardants. We are literally exposed to several of these chemicals all at once and possibly for prolonged periods of time through the food we eat, the water we drink, the cosmetics and skin and hair products we use, and from the air we breathe.. The cumulative health effect may be difficult to identify especially when most of the information we now know come from animal studies. But the clinical picture based on reports from patients and findings by some clinicians are not made up. We know how our bodies feel and we know when it isn't feeling the way it should be. This is why a proactive approach to our health is crucial for our health and longevity. We need to know for ourselves - educate ourselves, our loved ones, and our friends. Do not feel discouraged when your medical practitioner brushes you off. Keep insisting on having them look into your symptoms and if they know nothing about it, ask them to refer you to someone who does! Eventually you will find a clinician that will listen to you and believe you.
Now on to the specifics of these common chemicals:
- First, we have BPA or bisphenol A. This chemical is an ingredient to make plastic containers. When buying plastic food or water containers, look for BPA-free on the label.
- Phthalates is an ingredient to make plastic products more flexible. It is also found in scented products like shampoos, soaps, and perfumes; cosmetics; medical devices; toys; and food packaging. When buying products, look for phthalate-free on the label.
- Parabens are synthetic (man-made) chemical preservatives found in food, some medicines, cosmetics, and drinks. It is known to act like estrogen in the body and affect male and female reproductive function (including decreased fertility, decreased menstrual cycle length) as well as preterm birth, low birth weight. It has been found to turn on cancer genes as well as rapid growth of breast cancer cells. You can read more here https://www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics/parabens
- Triclosan is both a friend and foe. It can kill bacteria, hence, it is used as a preservative in products that have water in it like body wash, toothpaste, hand soap, make-up, etc. This is one reason why I choose to make my skin care products water-free so I don't have to use synthetic preservatives containing triclosan!
- Phytoestrogens are substances found in plants that can copy the action of estrogen in the body. These substances are referred to as genistein and daidzein found in soy products like tofu or soy milk. One example of the effect of these substances is where boys develop female-like breasts (aka gynecomastia). Some of you might have heard of some misinformation in the medical and media community about tea tree oil and lavender to have caused boys to develop breasts and girls develop breast prepuberty. But the studies were inconclusive since the theory was mainly based on the use of personal care products that contain the oils. There were no definitive information whether the oils were synthetic or natural and what other ingredients were in those personal care products or even the laboratory testing products used to test their hypothesis. To read more about this topic go to https://ndnr.com/pediatrics/in-defense-of-essential-oils-synergy-natures-wisdom-misleading-studies/
- Dioxins are found in the environment where herbicide production and paper bleaching industries are present.
- PFAs or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are found in nonstick cooking pans, foams used by firefighters and textile coatings.
- Perchlorate is often found in drinking water in communities with aerospace, weapon and pharmaceutical industries are found. These chemicals are also found in fireworks.
- PBDE or polybrominated diphenyl ethers are ingredients in making flame retardant products like carpets and furniture foam.
https://www.epa.gov/endocrine-disruption/what-endocrine-system
https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/research-endocrine-disruptors
Always consult a trusted and knowledgeable licensed medical practitioner regarding your symptoms.
Much love,
Dr. Em
"Love your skin and it will love you back"
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