What is a hormone disruptor?

A hormone disruptor, is a substance that can interfere with the normal functioning of the productions of hormones in the body (known as the endocrine system). Put simply, hormones are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in controlling various bodily functions and processes, including growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and mood.

What is a menstrual cycle?

A menstrual cycle can vary between 24 –36 days, with the average being 28 days.

The main hormone in the 1st phase (follicular, days 1-14) is oestrogen, then progesterone is more dominant in the 2nd phase (luteal, days 15-28). Sometimes these can get out of balance, leading to problems such as PMS, Polycystic ovarian syndrome and other hormonal issues.

Many factors can affect hormone balance:

stress
lack of fibre
lack of protein
too much dairy
high alcohol intake
lack of nutrients needed for hormone synthesis and metabolism e.g. B vitamins, indoles from cruciferous vegetables, magnesium, zinc

Another important factor is the presence of hormone disruptors and exogenous oestrogens in our environment. They can interfere with development and reproduction by mimicking hormones in the body, such as oestrogen, (as well as the male hormone androgen and thyroid hormones). They can block normal hormonal signals in the body or interfere with the way hormones or receptors are made or controlled.

Which substances may disrupt hormones?

The following list is not exhaustive and obviously in today's modern world it is almost impossible to avoid all of them, but try to limit your exposure as much as you can. Changing to natural body-care products and choosing organic food as much as possible is a good place to start.

Bisphenol-A (BPA)

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is found in soft plastic bottles and soft plastic food containers and tinned foods.

How To Avoid Bisphenol-A (BPA)

Limit tinned foods; use glass, stainless steel or BPA-free plastic bottles. Don't heat up food in plastic containers

Dioxins

Dioxins are by-products of industrial processes. They are found in fatty parts of meat, dairy, fish and shellfish.

How To Avoid Dioxins

Trim the fat off meat, avoid dairy products, eat a varied diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit to avoid excessive exposure from a single source.

Phthalates

Phthalates are found in cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners and moisturisers.

How To Avoid Phthalates?

Choose natural, organic personal care products, such as those we sell here at Therapy Organics.

Triclosan

Triclosan is found in anti-bacterial soaps and hand washes, toothpastes.

How To Avoid Triclosan

Avoid anti-bacterial washes; choose natural toothpastes

Fire Retardants

Fire retardants are found in sofas and other furnishings. They are difficult to avoid, however certain companies may use lower levels.



Lead

Lead might be found in paint, dyes, plastics, batteries and chemicals. We may be exposured through food, water and air.

How To Avoid Lead

Ensure old lead water pipes are replaced if possible.

Mercury

The main source is mercury amalgam dental fillings; also, some larger fish are contaminated with high levels e.g. swordfish, marlin and tuna.

How To Avoid Mercury

Avoid mercury fillings or have them replaced with safer alternatives (seek specialist advice). Eat smaller fish such as sardines and anchovies

Parabens

Parabens are found in cosmetic and personal care products.

How To Avoid Parabens

Choose natural, non-toxic, organic where possible, such as those sold here at Therapy Organics.

Clingfilm

Clingfilm is used to wrap foods. It creates more of an issue on fatty foods e.g. cheese and oily fish such as salmon.

How To Avoid Clingfilm

Use glass or hard plastic containers instead, or ceramic/pyrex bowls.

Dairy & Organic

Diary hormones come from Endogenous hormones from lactating/pregnant animals.

How To Avoid Dairy

Avoid or limit all forms of dairy to small amounts Avoid non-organic sources of meat and eggs, as well as fruit and vegetables although all meat will contain some natural endogenous hormones. Non-organic meat typically contains anitbiotics, growth hormones and other chemicals. Fruit and veg often contain pesticides e.g. atrazine and glyphosate Choose organic where possible.

PFOA Non-stick cookware

Choose ceramic or enamelled cast iron cookware