Authored by Dr. Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility, PRIME IVF

Chemicals are now everywhere around us, all nicely packaged in what we apply to our bodies, what we eat, and even what we inhale. Most of the toxins that bombard us daily can ruin our hormone system and, ultimately, fertility. From face lotion to refrigerated storage of food, the unsuspecting chemicals in old-fashioned things we all use way too much of are being abandoned very often for their potential to cause some pretty large-scale sickness. In this article, we’re looking at some of the most prevalent suspects—endocrine disruptors—of possible toxins that interfere with fertility and endocrine function.

The Silent Disruptors in Your Skincare Products

Cosmetic items like shampoos, creams, lotions, and face washes all typically contain preservatives and cleansing agents like sulfates and parabens. Parabens are a category of chemicals used for product lifespan as well as to inhibit microbial growth. Parabens can even possibly work as an estrogen mimic within the human body, which has the potential to disrupt the very delicate hormonal balance needed for fertility. Exposure has also been linked to elevated paraben levels, menstrual illness, endocrine illness, and deteriorated egg quality among females.

Perfume Perils: The Impact of Synthetic Scents on Your Body

Perfume is a natural body care product, from lotion to perfume. But the majority of perfumes are replicated by synthetic chemicals, one of which is phthalates. Phthalates not only have the job of making a perfume last longer but, to their own demise, are even endocrine disruptors. The chemicals seep in or replicate the body’s own hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, affecting ovulation and fertility.

Phthalates do not even appear in the ingredient list, and, cumulatively, with long-term exposure in personal care products, they affect hormone secretion. Disruption of hormone secretion results in disruption of the menstrual cycle, reduction in female fertility, and even impairment of sperm quality in males. When purchasing personal care products, purchase products that are “phthalate-free” to reduce your exposure.

Non-Stick Kitchens, Toxic Consequences

Use of non-stick pans is found in almost every kitchen. Non-stick pans are chemically treated with such things as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is sprayed onto them for heat resistance and lubrication of the non-stick surface. PFOA is an endocrine hormone disruptor and has the ability to disrupt the reproductive hormones and cause infertility. Exposure to PFOA when it is permanent is associated with male and female infertility and with childhood diseases.

Breathing in Toxins: Scented Candles and Air Fresheners

Even with the air fresheners and candles masking unpleasant smells and warming the space and making it cozy, there would be little or no chance for them to trigger an endocrine disorder. Both have benzene and formaldehyde as ingredients in the products, which are known chemicals affecting endocrine functions. Requiring chemicals like that on a regular and constant basis and actually doing so within an interior room, given the fact that zero or little air movement occurs within there, will have some impact upon hormone balance and impact reproductive health as well as overall health.

Household air fresheners are highly likely to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which will definitely disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance and are also associated with fertility issues. Breathe their scent innocently with natural alternatives such as essential oils or beeswax candles, which are made up of absolutely no toxic chemical byproducts.

BPA and Beyond: The Risks of Plastic Containers

Plastic has become a lifestyle primarily for transporting food and drinks. Plastic is convenient, but plastics contain chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been implicated in an incredible number of diseases. BPA is an endocrine disruptor, and thus it can interfere with the body’s own hormonal system, such as estrogen, required for fertility.

When plastics are heated—in the dishwasher or microwave—BPA will leach from the plastic to food or liquid. Scientific studies have identified exposure to BPA as being linked with diminished egg quality in women, compromised sperm motility in men, and hormonal interference with reproductive health. Restrict exposure by replacing BPA-tainted plastics with BPA-free plastics or using glass, stainless steel, or ceramic to hold foods and beverages.

Our environment is just packed with silent chemicals that really do have a strong impact. From morning personal hygiene deodorant to deadly plastics and non-stick cookware, chemicals on our body from dawn till dusk can murder our hormonal equilibrium and play havoc on our fertility over the years. By paying attention to what we are exposed to and to what chemicals we expose ourselves to, we can begin to initiate certain things in order to reduce exposure to ugly chemicals.

With organic, natural ingredients, plastic manipulation BPA-free, and elimination of lethal poisons like parabens and phthalates, there are simple, efficient ways of protecting your hormonal health. While it is impossible to eradicate all toxins from our world, it can make a huge difference towards allowing us to put together reproductive health and overall health in one intact piece by just doing these little things.

The more we know about such risks, the more we must know about the foods that we are introducing to our bodies. It will usher in fertility and hormonal balance, with a healthier and more natural environment for us and our coming generations.