Hormone health involves more than the hormones our bodies make. Researchers also study certain substances in everyday products because they can interfere with hormone signalling. These are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals. You may have heard some described as xenoestrogens because they can interfere with oestrogen signalling.
They may occur in plastics, fragranced products, cosmetics, textile treatments, furniture, clothing, household dust and, in many cases drinking water. That is quite a list but before you throw out your sofa and shampoo bottle, take a breath.
We cannot control everything in our air, water or the places we visit. What we can do is pay attention to the products we use regularly and make changes where they fit our lives and budgets. One product does not explain a hormone symptom on its own, and no home can be perfectly free of chemicals.
A clean, reliable source of drinking water is also important for overall health. If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, you could check your local water quality information and consider whether a suitable water filter would be helpful. Different filters remove different substances, so choose one that is independently tested and appropriate for the contaminants found in your area. Remember to maintain and replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as a poorly maintained filter may not work effectively.
Six places to begin
Personal care
Look at what you use daily: shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, makeup, perfume and deodorant. You might replace a heavily fragranced product with a cleaner option when it runs out. Remember “Natural” on a label does not guarantee that a product is cleaner or suitable.
Food containers
Always try to transfer food from plastic to glass or ceramic before reheating it. Use a suitable glass bottle or a high-grade stainless steel bottle for drinks. There is no need to throw away every plastic lunch box today. You can wrap food in non-toxic parchment paper and, when it is time for a new lunch box, opt for a high-grade stainless steel one.
Cookware, utensils and air fryers
The old reliable air fryer gets a mention too. Some frying pans and saucepans have non-stick coatings, as do many baskets and crisper trays in air fryers. Some of these coatings contain PTFE, which belongs to the wider PFAS family. “PFOA-free” does not necessarily mean “PFAS-free”. If you are replacing a frying pan or saucepan, consider uncoated stainless steel, enamelled cookware or another clearly specified cooking surface. For an air fryer, consider an uncoated stainless steel basket or a glass cooking bowl, and check the tray inside rather than just the outer casing. Choose stainless steel or wooden utensils when yours need replacing, especially for hot food. Follow the maker’s temperature and cleaning instructions, and replace a coating if it is peeling or badly worn. No need to empty the kitchen tonight: begin with the things you use most often.
Clothes and bedding
Polyester itself should not be treated as a proven cause of hormonal illness. Some fabrics have added dyes or finishes, and synthetic fabrics can shed fibres. When replacing items that touch your skin for hours, consider simpler natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo or linen, and wash new items before use.
Fragrance at home
Plug-in air fresheners and scented candles have got to go! Fabric sprays and scented laundry products can increase the toxic load in the home. Try removing these products one at a time, as they can contribute to your overall exposure to fragrance. Try to let fresh air in when possible.
Dust and soft furnishings
Ordinary vacuuming, damp dusting and fresh air can help reduce dust particles from furniture, flooring and textiles. You do not need to replace the sofa by lunchtime.
From a naturopathic perspective, the aim is to consider the whole picture: the products around us, food, clean drinking water, sleep, stress and our general health. Start with what you can control, choose one change at a time and keep what works for you.
For a detailed look at clothing, footwear, beauty products, menstrual care, kitchens and every room of the home, see Everyday Ways to Reduce the Toxic Load & Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals in the Guides library.
Would you like more individual support?
I offer a comprehensive, individualised programme shaped around your needs and circumstances. We can explore food, lifestyle, supplements and herbs, and I can recommend testing when appropriate. Email lisa@evolvefemalewellness.com to enquire about working together.