How do I reduce my exposure to xenoestrogens in my environment?

Most women living in Western Industrialised countries will experience hormone related problems in their lifetime as a result of their exposure to petrochemical by-products present in their food, medicines, plastics, clothing, soaps, etc.

Too much estrogen in a woman’s body without the balancing, protective properties of progesterone may be mirrored in the growing incidences of various cancers, PMS, endometriosis, fibroids, infertility and early menopause.

Humans are not immune to xenohormones and our environmental exposure to these agents is increasing. It would be almost impossible to avoid them in this century and, as our modern technology advances, there grows an ever increasing danger, perhaps in plague proportion. The knowledge of the effects of xenohormones comes primarily from observing wildlife population exposed to chemicals in our waterways and through agricultural spraying. No living creature appears immuned.

There is suggested links between exposure to environmental pollutants that mimic estrogen and the developing baby’s tissue. Laboratory experiments, wildlife studies, and the human DES experience link hormone disruption with a variety of male and female reproductive problems that appear to be on the rise in the general human population – problems ranging from endometriosis, testicular cancer, infertility, and in there somewhere is PCOS.

Hormonally active synthetic chemicals can alter the nervous system and brain, and impair the immune system. Synthetic chemicals can derail the normal expression of sexual characteristics of animals, in some cases masculinising females and feminising males. Some animal studies indicate that exposure to hormonally active chemicals pre-natal or in adulthood increases vulnerability to hormone-responsive cancers, such as malignancies in the breast, prostate, ovary, and uterus (publication: Our Stolen Future).

It is argued that if a female embryo’s ovarian follicles are compromised through exposure to these chemicals, this damage will not be apparent until after puberty.

Pregnant women should do whatever they can to protect themselves and their unborn child from exposure to xenoestrogens during gestation. Children, too, appear highly susceptible as their immunity system is immature. We suggest women avoid buying plastic toys for their children, especially if they are at that age where they are prone to put everything into their mouth. Where possible, don’t heat baby’s plastic bottles in the microwave. Go back to using glass feeding bottles, and sterilise with boiling water rather than toxic chemicals.

Avoid packaged and/or refined foods, and eat primarily fresh and preferably organic foods, taking care to wash produce thoroughly. Avoid storing food in plastics containers or plastic wraps. Instead store food in glass containers and never microwave or heat food inside a plastic container.

It is imperative to drink clean, filtered water. If you invest in a water filter be sure to change the filter whenever outlined by the product manufacturer otherwise this could create further problems.

One can only assume that pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, basically any substance that is used to kill fungi, plants, or bugs is going to be toxic to our body. Be aware, garden fertilisers, dog flea repellant wash, insect sprays and skin repellents may be highly toxic to you and your family and animals.

If you’re particularly susceptible to toxic fumes and are building a new home, do whatever you can to avoid laminated wood or wood veneers, or other materials that outgas chemicals. Glues and adhesives in particular are very toxic as in carpet laying. We have actually had women report severe hemorrhaging and heavy periods following the laying of new carpets.

Perhaps you’re supersensitive to vinyls in cars, and vinyls on work benches.

Women in the photography industry have also run into problems, specifically those working in the processing rooms of film laboratories and handling chemicals which are absorbed through their skin. Hairdressers have come to us with cases of fibrocystic breasts, ovarian cysts and PCOS, and we believe there may be a link between the chemicals and the fumes that they are exposed to in this industry.

Rural women who work on the land have displayed thyroid problems such as multi-nodular goiter. Observation suggests there’s a link between chemicals used in farm management which may be adversely impacting the endocrine system. Otherwise, these women have lived a very healthy, active and organic lifestyle.

Certain hair dyes and hair products can contribute to xenohormone exposure in the body. We suggest, therefore, women try to use all natural products. If you know you are sensitive then perhaps refrain from dying your hair or applying unnecessary chemicals to your skin, eliminating exposure to fumes and skin.

A small number of women in the plant nursery industry come to us with hormonal disorders and cyst problems. Could this be the result of exposure to toxic sprays, fertilisers and other substances?

Opt for detergents, soaps and shampoos that are echo-friendly. Avoid solvents and if you must use them protect your skin as they enter the blood stream quickly through the pores. It is also important not to breath in fumes, to use masks were possible, and avoid exposure to paint fumes, car fumes, nail polish fumes as they can actually cause symptoms like hot flushes, heavy bleeding, and imbalances, as reported by many, many women.

There are certainly solvents in nail polish and nail polish removers used widely among the young teenagers who are vulnerable to reproductive damage. We caution women with hormone imbalance to be wary of the chemicals used to apply & remove false nails.

Our website has observed a couple of women with high levels of estrogen dominance who have undergone breast implants using foreign substances. It’s crossed our mind there may be a correlation between their high level of estrogen dominance and a likely reaction to these foreign particles. Of course, there could be other underlying aspects, but there certainly seems to be a very strong link or suggestion that foreign objects implanted in breast cell tissue may lead to xenoestrogen exposure.

We reiterate here that progesterone cannot possibly protect us against the onslaught of xeno-estrogens in our environment. Whilst progesterone may help tone down estrogen dominance symptoms and perhaps confer some protection, unless you directly address your exposure to xeno-estrogens you’ll always be vulnerable to endocrine disruption and associated complications. This is where liver function and support is vital.

For extensive information and references on xenohormones, we strongly urge you to read Dr. Theo Colborn’s book, Our Stolen Future. It is a classic on the subject. This book is a must read for anyone concerned about the survival of the human race and the terrible price we are paying by pouring toxic chemicals into our environment without thought for the consequences.