Hormones, simply put, are like messengers for your body. They are “chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues.” They impact most things that take place in our bodies, so it’s important to live in a way that promotes optimal hormone health. And yet, there are lots of things that are hidden in everyday items and products that can harm our hormone health. So let’s dig into what the most common hormone disruptors are, what birth control is and how it affects female bodies, and how to keep our hormones happy and healthy:
Common Hormone (Endocrine) Disruptors
Since hormones impact so much of our body’s function, it’s important to keep them healthy. However, there’s a wide variety of things we use, eat, or encounter in our daily lives that actually disrupt our hormone function. Some of these things are:
Bisphenol A (BPA)
This is a chemical commonly found in plastic, resin, the lining of some canned foods, receipts, and more. It’s been linked to certain cancers, infertility, obesity, and early puberty—all things that are controlled by our hormones! A few ways to avoid BPA is to stick to fresh, frozen, or dried food (avoid canned), don’t heat things up in the microwave in materials like plastic or styrofoam, and avoid plastics marked with a “PC” on them. A helpful resource to know what things contain BPA is the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) comprehensive database.
Phthalates
These are plasticizer chemicals (things that make plastic softer or more flexible) that are found in “fragrance”, PVC plastic, toys, and plastic wrap. Studies have shown links from phthalates to birth defects in the male reproductive system, lower sperm count and motility, miscarriages, and gestational diabetes. Phthalates are more difficult to avoid, so make sure to read ingredient labels—stay away from “fragrance” (both beauty and household products) and anything that has phthalates listed as an ingredient—and try buying children’s toys made from materials other than plastic. Also, buy glass food storage containers! Not only are they healthier for you and the environment, but they’re more durable and have a longer life.
PFAS Chemicals
This is a cluster of fluorinated compounds containing 4,700+ chemicals. These are linked to disruptions such as cancer, thyroid disease, weakened immune systems, and other developmental impacts/defects. PFAS are what make pans nonstick, make things waterproof, and are used in coatings on upholstery. A few ways to avoid PFAS are to buy water filters for your sinks and showers and avoid non-stick pans. You can also look at EWG’s water filter guide.
Parabens
These are chemicals used as a preservative in makeup, lotion, hair products, toothpaste, suntan lotion, shaving creams, and other beauty products. Parabens have been linked to male infertility and have been found in breast cancer tissue. One way to stay on the lookout for parabens is to purchase products with a “paraben free” label! (Thanks, manufacturers).
Triclosan
his is a germ-killer commonly found in antibacterial soaps. This chemical has been banned in the United States except for use in toothpaste, mouthwash, and hand sanitizer…so it’s still being widely used in the U.S.
We know it sounds like a lot…but avoiding these harmful endocrine disruptors will help keep your hormones (and therefore your entire body) in tip-top shape.
Birth Control: Helping or Hurting?
Many girls and women are placed on birth control not just to prevent pregnancy, but to alleviate discomfort during menstruation, heal acne, and deal with other hormone issues. But it’s important to know that birth control—especially when taken long-term—can have serious side effects. Let’s get into it.
Between 2015 and 2017, approximately 65% of women aged 15-49 were sexually active and using some form of contraception. Fourteen percent of those women were using oral contraception pills. Other common forms of birth control are male condoms and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
While hormonal contraception like birth control pills and IUDs have proven effective in preventing pregnancy, it’s important to be educated on the toll it takes on female hormones and their bodies. For example, birth control pills deplete essential vitamins in the body—B Vitamins, selenium, magnesium, and Vitamins C and E. Additionally, hormonal birth control can negatively impact mental health and damage the gut microbiome.
Dr. Jolene Brighten, author of Beyond the Pill, says that hormonal birth control “can lead to leaky gut, yeast overgrowth (candida), decreased microbial diversity, and altered gut mobility.”
Leaky gut is when large, undigested proteins find their way through your intestinal lining, which can really mess with your immune system. Your system views these large proteins as foreign invaders, since proteins of that size should never be able to get through your system. Additionally, leaky gut can lead to food sensitivities and other autoimmune disorders.
Other risks and side effects associated with birth control are:
- Increased risk of cancer the longer you use birth control
- It can affect your cholesterol levels
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options
You may be wondering if there are birth control options that aren’t as harmful and don’t have a negative impact on your hormones. You’re in luck! There are plenty of non-hormonal options:
- Condoms - This might seem obvious, but it’s an easy, accessible form of birth control that can keep pregnancy out and the right hormones in.
- Natural Family Planning/Cycle Tracking - there are tools like the Natural Cycles App or Lady-Comp that allow you to track your cycle throughout the month and know exactly when you’re fertile/ovulating.
- Copper IUD - this is a form of IUD that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to five years. While this IUD does not release hormones, it can still cause heavier, longer periods.
- Sterilization - this is an option for both males and females. For females, the formal name is “tubal ligation.” This is when a doctor permanently blocks or seals the fallopian tubes. It’s important to remember that for females, this is a permanent solution—it is not reversible. For males, the formal term is “vasectomy.” This is when a doctor cuts or seals the tubes that carry sperm. Unlike for females, a vasectomy can be reversible, but should still be considered permanent. Both sterilization options are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
How to Support Optimal Hormone Health
Hormone health is a big topic, and there are lots of ways to maintain optimal health. Here are a few:
- Maintain stress and keep it low.
- Avoid harmful chemicals (and they’re sneaky, so make sure you check the ingredients in your household items, makeup, skincare, etc).
- Get outside—sunlight, Vitamin D, and fresh air are great for your hormones!
- SLEEP.
- Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods.
It may feel daunting, but fueling and serving your body in a way that promotes nutrition, stress-relief, and rest is the best way to ensure optimal hormone health (and health overall).