How to Remove PCOS Endocrine Disruptors for Estrogen Dominance!

PCOS is an endocrine disorder which can be amplified by endocrine disruptors in our own environment! On this episode, we explain the PCOS endocrine system, common endocrine disruptors to look out for, and estrogen dominance!

Many women with PCOS have estrogen dominance due to the chemicals in our environment that act upon estrogen receptors. We discuss how women with PCOS struggle with reducing these toxins and the impact when they bioaccumulate!

You’ll learn the 3 common endocrine disruptors, how you can be exposed, and what you can do to cut out endocrine disruptors starting today!

How To Remove PCOS Endocrine Disruptors

What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

The endocrine system is the communication network between your organs, telling each part of your body when and what hormones to produce! Obviously, this is a VERY important system in the body for normal function. However, when you encounter endocrine disruptors, it prevents the normal functioning of the endocrine system by mimicking a hormone like estrogen, which can throw off your hormonal balance and create the illusion of estrogen dominance.

Estrogen Dominance And PCOS

Here’s a big myth. Most people with PCOS don’t produce too much estrogen. The excess estrogen that’s popping up on your blood tests is likely the toxins and chemicals mimicking estrogen, not actual estrogen. Since a Cyster’s body already struggles with getting rid of excess hormones, breaking down these disruptors can be really difficult! This is why it’s best to remove these endocrine disruptors from our daily life as much as possible!

You may be experiencing “estrogen dominance” as a result of endocrine disruptors if you have irregular and heavy periods, excess hair growth, acne, bloating, low libido, weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, or breast tenderness.

What Are The Endocrine Disruptors?

There are quite a few endocrine disruptors out there that you’ll find in common product you use every single day! I’ll give you a list of ingredients to look out for, but understand Sirak and I are not advocating for you to throw everything out and buy all new stuff. That can be super overwhelming! When you run out of something, just ask yourself if there’s a better product you could buy, and try it out! It can be a step-by-step process where you make small improvements each day (like, I just realized I was using a plastic loofah in the shower. Yuck! That’s gone now.) Just do it at your own pace, and try to opt for products without these ingredients:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) – found in plastic bottles, food can linings, and thermal paper receipts.
• Phthalates – found in personal care products, such as fragrances, lotions, and nail polish.
• Parabens – found in cosmetics, skincare products, and some foods as preservatives.
• Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – found in non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and food packaging.
• Organophosphate pesticides – commonly used in agriculture and found in some fruits and vegetables.
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) – industrial chemicals that were banned but still present in the environment.
• Dioxins – byproducts of industrial processes, found in some foods, particularly fatty animal products.
• Atrazine – a herbicide used in agriculture, commonly found in water sources.
• Triclosan – an antimicrobial agent found in personal care products, such as soaps and toothpaste.
• Flame retardants – found in furniture, electronics, and building materials.

Plastics

This is a big one! Plastics + heat + reuse is a bad combo! Try to replace plastic containers with food-grade silicone, glass, or stainless steel instead. Bring a reusable plastic-free cup (We like Takeya!) when you go get coffee or tea. It’s also a good idea to avoid tea bags with plastic in them and opt for food products that aren’t wrapped or stored in plastic.

Soaps and Cosmetics

Many endocrine disruptors come from shampoos, conditioners, body wash, sunscreen, and cosmetics. Find non-toxic alternatives that fit your budget. (For cosmetics, I love Beautycounter!)

Pesticides

Pesticides can linger on our fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. Opt for organic options when you can.

Cleaning Products

Cleaning products of all kinds can include endocrine disruptors. Not only is this bad for you when you’re cleaning, but after too when your skin touches the surfaces you’ve cleaned. Luckily, there are lots of non-toxic brands out there that can get the job done!

Fragrances and Candles

Fragrances are one of the worst culprits for endocrine disruptors, because you’re actually breathing them in! Go for fragrance-free products when you can, or find ones scented using essential oils or other natural means. If you love candles, try MOME candles!

Getting Your Hair or Nails Done

I haven’t given this one up yet, but getting your hair dyed and nails done is also a source of endocrine disruption. I’m not interested in giving up getting my nails done yet, but will make lots of other changes to reduce my exposure to endocrine disruptors. I bring this up, because I want you Cysters to know this is all about getting better, not being the best. You don’t need to go all in!

Receipts

Paper receipts are one of the worst sources of endocrine disruptors next to fragrances. When you can, say “no thanks” to paper receipts!

Start supporting your body by eliminating one endocrine disruptor at a time.

Want more on common endocrine disruptors? Listen to teh episode! In it, we asked YOU what endocrine disruptors you have swapped, tune in to hear all the responses from fellow Cysters!

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While Tallene is a Registered Dietitian and Sirak a Personal Trainer, this podcast provides general information about PCOS. It is not meant to serve as fitness, nutrition or medical advice related to your individual needs. If you have questions, please talk to a medical professional. For our full privacy policy, please click on the following link: (bit.ly/PCOSPrivacyPolicy)