Endocrine Disruptors and the Body

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals (either human-made or manufactured) that disrupt or damage your body’s hormone-making organs or processes. This can happen when a chemical imitates a particular hormone, keeps your body from using or absorbing a particular hormone, interferes with the way your hormones talk to each other, or hijacks your hormone-producing organs.

Why does that matter so much? And what is the worst that could happen from a little hormone disruption? The truth is, most of us are miseducated when it comes to understanding how our endocrine system works, the role hormones play in our bodies, and the harm we can suffer if our endocrine system is compromised–including thyroid disease, neurological harm, immune dysfunction, and many other disorders.

The endocrine system plays an important role in our bodies—it is responsible for producing a variety of hormones that regulate stress, metabolic functions, fertility, growth, blood sugar levels, and much more.

Our endocrine system hangs in a delicate balance, and if that balance is off, hormone levels can become erratic and lead to a whole multitude of issues. Ebru Sulanc, M.D., an endocrinologist with the Henry Ford Health System states “Our quality of life is related to the endocrine system. It affects everything from our energy levels and mood to our reproductive health. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, for example, we can get tired, sluggish, anxious, depressed. Some of my patients have said their relationships suffered because of unrecognized thyroid issues. It influences how we behave.”

At Palmetto Endocrinology, we have the expertise to diagnose and treat thyroid issues and other problems. Please call us for an appointment if you would like to get tested.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are everywhere: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the products we use. And while it might be true that we live in an increasingly chemical world, it is also true that nontoxic alternatives are becoming more and more available–and every dollar you spend on safer products is a vote for more! Protecting your endocrine system and your health from dangerous chemicals is increasingly possible, through diet, education, and everyday choices.

Factors That Affect Endocrine Function

While stress, pre-existing conditions, autoimmune diseases and genetics can affect endocrine balance, there’s ongoing research that shows substances called endocrine disruptors may also be to blame.

Endocrine disruptors are a wide variety of chemicals found everywhere in our environment—food, pesticides, clothing, plastics, personal care and beauty products, cleaning products. We absorb and use these chemicals daily, and we don’t even know what all of the endocrine disruptors are yet.

Research shows these chemicals may behave like hormones in our bodies, confusing the regulating hormones into thinking there is too much or too little of that hormone, or blocking the effects of our own hormones.

It might be hard to prove association—there is an innocent until proven guilty factor with endocrine disruptors—but there are some that are known to be more concerning than others right now. Here are some to watch out for:

• BPA: This is a chemical that has been used to make plastics (like water bottles and food storage containers) since the 1960s. These chemicals can leach into food and drink, but several brands are now creating plastics without BPA and labeling them as BPA free.
• Pesticides: In large amounts, pesticides may cause cancer, reproductive and neurological disorders. Wash fruits and vegetables well, and when you can, try buying organic.
• Flame retardants: These chemicals are used to prevent the growth of a fire. They are in furniture, clothes, furnishings, construction materials, and may lead to cancer, neurological problems, thyroid disruption, and more.
• Phytoestrogens: Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds that are found in a variety of foods including soy. While soy has other health benefits, in large amounts it can act like estrogen in the body, leading either to an overload of estrogen, or blocking the effects of estrogen, leading to too little estrogen.
• Perfluorinated chemicals: Used in non-stick pots and pans, perfluorinated chemicals may negatively influence female reproductive health, among other concerns.
• Phthalates: These are used to make plastics more flexible. They are found in everything from personal care products and cosmetics to detergents, adhesives, vinyl flooring, children’s toys, medical tubing, and more, and may have negative effects on hormonal health.
• Triclosan: Triclosan is found in cleaning products and acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. The FDA recently banned its use in hand soaps, as it may harm the immune system, contribute to antibiotic-resistant germs, and alter hormonal regulation.
• Parabens: Found mostly in beauty and personal care products like shampoos, conditioners and cosmetics, these artificial preservatives may increase cancer risk and alter hormonal regulation and the reproductive system.

While it may not be feasible to avoid all endocrine-disrupting chemicals, try to lower the amount you come into contact with on a daily basis. Read the labels of things that you buy. Go natural when you can. And fill your home with plants—they help clean the air and add oxygen so that you breathe in less of these chemicals. It’s not about being perfect, but being aware and making smart choices when you can.

Author

Joseph Mathews, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU, CCD Joseph W. Mathews M.D., a board certified Endocrinologist and Medical Director of Palmetto Endocrinology, was born and raised in South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston, Cum Laude. He then achieved his M.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Dr. Mathews is also a Fellow of both the American College of Endocrinology and the American College of Physicians, holds an Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) and is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD). He has extensive experience performing ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies. His practice includes a range of specializations including prescribing and fitting patients with insulin pumps. Dr. Mathews' practice has drawn patients from out of state to benefit from his expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes, cortisol problems and their Endocrine disorders.