Hidden Impact of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Your Health
If you’ve ever felt like your hormones are out of whack - with crazy periods, stubborn acne, mood swings, or mystery fatigue - despite working on foundational support, there’s a hidden culprit you might not have considered yet: endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
These chemicals are everywhere: in your food, your makeup bag, your cleaning products, your receipts. And if you already have conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, EDCs are not just annoying - they could actually be making your symptoms worse.
What Are Endocrine Disruptors?
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are synthetic substances that interfere with the normal function of hormones in the body. They can mimic, block, or alter the body's natural hormones, especially estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. EDCs are found in many everyday products, including plastics, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and even food packaging. Common examples include:
Plastics – BPA, phthalates (think: food containers, water bottles, receipts)
Pesticides + herbicides – especially in conventional produce
Personal care products – parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance
Cleaning supplies – harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrance
Non Stick cookware – PFAs used in Teflon
How EDCs Affect Female Hormones
Your endocrine system is sensitive, even tiny exposures to these EDCs can disrupt the feedback loops that regulate your hormones.
Mimicking Estrogen: Many EDCs are “xenoestrogens,” meaning they mimic the body’s estrogen. This can lead to estrogen dominance symptoms—heavy periods, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
Disrupting Androgens and Insulin: In PCOS, there’s often already a delicate balance between insulin, testosterone, and estrogen. EDCs can worsen insulin resistance and ramp up androgen activity, driving symptoms like irregular periods and acne.
Impacting Thyroid Function: Some EDCs interfere with iodine uptake or thyroid hormone production, leading to sluggish metabolism, fatigue, or irregular cycles.
What You Can Do
While the topic of EDCs can feel very overwhelming, focus on what you can control. Small, intentional swaps go a long way:
Eat organic when possible (refer to EWGs Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen)
Ditch plastics for glass or stainless steel
Choose clean personal care (fragrance-free, paraben-free, EWG-verified when possible)
Filter your water - a good carbon filter helps remove common EDCs
Be intentional with cookware - go for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic
Limit receipts - opt for email copies, and wash your hands after handling them
You can also support your body’s natural detox systems with the right food and lifestyle choices:
Cruciferous veggies (broccoli sprouts, broccoli, kale, cauliflower) help metabolize excess estrogen
Fiber helps bind and eliminate toxins through the gut
Sweating (sauna, exercise) supports elimination through the skin
Liver support with nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants
You’re Not Overreacting - Your Hormones Might Be
If your hormone symptoms feel unmanageable or your cycle is sending SOS signals, it’s not “just stress” or “part of being a woman.” Your environment plays a massive role in your hormone health, and endocrine disruptors could be part of the picture.
The good news? There is a lot of control we do have over what we are exposed to in our home environment.
If you are looking for a deep dive on your hormonal health explore our 3-month comprehensive balancing program for female adrenal, thyroid, and hormone health. Understand your hormones and unlock the root of the imbalance through Your Hormone Revival™. Within this program you get access to a dedicated masterclass: Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals & Creating a Non-Toxic Home.
Need more personalized support for your hormones? We have worked with hundreds of women experiencing symptoms just like you and have been able to get them long lasting symptom relief. If you are looking for deeper support sign up for our 1:1 Functional C.A.R.E Method™.
