When supporting our clients' health and hormones, it is essential we take a look at their environment, and possible hormone disrupters in their daily life. Many everyday products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with hormone function, leading to imbalances, fatigue, weight gain, and even long-term health issues.
So let;s take a closer look at what typical hormone disrupters that are most likely in your home or daily routine that could possibly be working against you not for you.
Plastics and BPA:
This is a big one, and at times feels like it's impossible to avoid. Studies have shown that Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic oestrogen that can mimic hormones in the body, leading to oestrogen dominance, fertility issues, and metabolic imbalances. Even BPA-free products still contain other nasty chemicals that are best to avoid.
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Where it’s found: Plastic food containers, water bottles, lining of canned foods and receipts.
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What you can do to avoid: Swap plastic containers for glass or stainless steel, avoid heating food in plastic, say no to thermal receipts, opt for fresh foods (shopping at farmers markets or bulk food stores will make this easier)
Parabens & Phthalates:
Time to check your bathroom cabinet. Studies have shown that high exposure load to parabens and phthalates are known to interfere with oestrogen production, potentially increasing the risk of hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even breast cancer.
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Where it’s found: Skin care, cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, cleaning products, plastic packaging.
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What you can do to avoid: Choosing clean, paraben & phthalate - free products (we love the brands: Lust Minerals, Eco Minerals, Eye of Horus, Inika). Opt for natural perfumes (Ode to Self or Weleda), or essential oils over perfumes. Check ingredient labels for terms like methylparaben, propylparaben, diethyl phthalate (DEP), avoid where possible.
Pesticides & Herbicides:
Unfortunately in Australia, pesticides are a large part of our farming practices given the fact that agriculture output is very big for our economy. However, pesticides contain endocrine disruptors that can mimic or block hormone function leading to fertility issues, thyroid dysfunction and metabolic disorders.
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Where it’s found: Non-organic fruits and vegetables, conventionally farmed grains, household pest sprays, weed killers
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What you can do to avoid: Choose organic produce when possible, especially for the Dirty Dozen (high-pesticide fruits & veggies), wash produce thoroughly with a vinegar-water rinse. Plus side to this as well is you not only support your health but can also support local farmers!
Artificial Fragrances:
We all want our homes and bodies to smell beautiful, but artificial fragrances often contain phthalates and synthetic musks, which can interfere with reproductive hormones and contribute to hormonal imbalances.
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Where it’s found: Perfumes, air fresheners, scented candles, fabric softeners, laundry detergents
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What you can do to avoid: Use essential oil-based perfumes and air fresheners & switch to fragrance-free or naturally scented laundry and cleaning products.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can accumulate in the body, disrupting hormones, damaging the nervous system, and impairing detoxification, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and chronic inflammation.
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Where it’s found: Some conventional lipsticks, eyeshadows, deodorants, tap water, certain fish (like tuna and swordfish)
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What you can do to avoid: Use natural or organic make up brands (we mentioned brands above!), use natural and aluminium-free (and ‘alum’ free) deodorants, invest in a good quality water filter that filtered out heavy metals (we love the zazen), & limit your intake of high-mercury fish, opt for options like salmon or sardines.
Fluoride & Chlorine
Is your water, or toothpaste contributing to your health concerns? Fluoride and Chlorine can be found in a lot of common things we come into contact with regularly. It's best to avoid where possible as these chemicals can disrupt thyroid function by interfering with iodine absorption, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and metabolism issues.
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Where it’s found: Tap water, toothpaste, shower water, swimming pools, some foods and beverages, household cleaning products.
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What you can do to avoid: Opt for a fluoride-free toothpaste, invest in a filtered water system, purchase shower filters, avoid processed foods as much as possible, opt for a magnesium pool, or when swimming in pools, rinse off afterwards, use natural based cleaning products.
Conventional cleaning products
We have mentioned these in a few of the previous endocrine disruptors, so it seems fitting it has its own. Many cleaning products contain endocrine disruptors like ammonia, phthalates, and triclosan, which can affect estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.
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Where it’s found: standard multi-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, dish soaps, oven cleaners, dishwashing tablets
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What you can do to avoid: Switch to natural cleaning & dish products (we like Koala Eco and Abode) or opt to make your own where you can & look for eco-friendly soaps.
Avoiding endocrine disruptors is one of the most powerful ways to support hormonal balance, fertility, metabolism, and overall well-being. By making the recommended swaps you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Small, daily changes add up over time, helping your body detoxify more efficiently and maintain optimal hormonal health.
