Regulate Your Hormones by Limiting Endocrine Disruptors
Our endocrine system is a delicate network of glands that produce hormones, regulating everything from metabolism and mood to reproductive health and immunity. Unfortunately, many common personal care products contain endocrine disruptors—chemicals that interfere with our hormone balance. These disruptors, such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, can mimic or block hormones, leading to imbalances that contribute to issues like thyroid dysfunction, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and even metabolic disorders. Since these chemicals are absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested, daily exposure can have cumulative effects over time.
The good news is that phthalates and parabens are rapidly metabolized and excreted from the human body, with elimination half-lives generally less than 24 hours. A typical perfume or cologne has an average of 4 different endocrine disrupting chemicals, some of which accumulate in fat and breastmilk, indicating much slower elimination rates.
It’s also important to remember that our exposure doesn’t just come from personal care products—it can also come from what we eat and drink. Never heat food in plastic containers, as this causes harmful chemicals to leach directly into your food. Similarly, avoid drinking from plastic reusable water bottles, which can release endocrine-disrupting compounds over time, especially with repeated use. Instead, choose safer, more sustainable options like stainless steel, copper, or glass to keep your body—and your hormones—protected.
Another hidden source of endocrine disruptors can be found in your cookware. Nonstick pans made with Teflon often contain PFAS or PFOA, known as “forever chemicals,” that can disrupt hormones and build up in the body. To create a healthier kitchen environment, opt for alternatives such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic pans that are free from PFAS and PFOA. These safer options not only protect your hormones but also support your long-term health.
After years of researching and testing products, I’ve curated a list of personal care products that are free from, or contain minimal, endocrine-disrupting chemicals—without compromising effectiveness. In this blog post, I’m sharing my top tried-and-true favorites that nourish your body without wreaking havoc on your hormones. Making the switch to cleaner products is one of the simplest ways to support your endocrine system naturally, and I hope this guide helps you do just that!
Body wash
365 by Whole Foods Market, Body Wash Colloidal Oatmeal - https://amzn.to/4f7wRMI
Native Body Wash - https://amzn.to/4bMvzXv
Kiss my face bar soap - https://amzn.to/41IkIt3
Deodorant
Little Seed Farm - https://amzn.to/3FpsHnv
Native - https://amzn.to/41JwjYP
Schmidt’s - https://amzn.to/4iCpob2
*If you get a rash in your armpit, take a break from deodorant with baking soda for a while and try a baking soda free or “sensitive” version. The rash can mean the skin barrier has been compromised.
Shampoo/Conditioner
Hair Story - https://amzn.to/3DGEn4H
Odele - https://amzn.to/3FpU2Ga
Perfume
https://esasnyc.com/collections/organic-fragrance-mist
Laundry
Seventh Generation pods - https://amzn.to/41O1fHk (also at Target)
Blueland Laundry tablets - https://amzn.to/421YOCr
Dropps pods - https://amzn.to/4kNVaDy
Instead of dryer sheets use wool balls (also at Target) - https://amzn.to/41pifoN
Dish Soap
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dish Soap https://amzn.to/4f7lFQt (also at Target)
Hand Soap
Blueland - https://amzn.to/3DG3ULp (10 dispensers worth)
Glass dispensers for Blueland - https://amzn.to/3DG3ULp
Scented candles
Sage Your Space - https://emilyskinsoothers.com/collections/sage-your-space-candles (also available in the clinic)
Even menstrual products can have endocrine disruptors. Choose organic tampons or pads, silicone menstrual cups, discs, or period panties by Period or Modi Bodi to avoid them.
Sources:
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine