Endocrine Disruptors - what you need to know
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are getting more and more attention for their role in fertility, but what is appropriate concern, and what is fear mongering? Read on to find out.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a category of compounds that can alter the way that the body works naturally by changing normal hormone function. Normally the body’s hormones work as messengers to communicate between different organs or tissues in the body. When this is interrupted there are a range of possible outcomes, because the hormone system (formally known as the Endocrine system) is so complex.
EDCs can interfere with the job of hormones in several manners:
By competing for receptors (mimicking natural hormones)
By increasing or decreasing the amount of a certain hormones by influencing how they are made
By influencing the body’s sensitivity to certain hormones
What about fertility?
EDCs are linked to several different factors affecting fertility, for both men and women.
For women greater exposure to EDCs is linked to:
poorer IVF outcomes, including less eggs retrieved and and higher rate of implantation failure
increased rate of ovarian aging
mimicking of oestrogen which could disrupt ovulation
association with decreased pregnancy rate
For men exposure to EDCs is linked to:
reduced sperm quality and increased DNA fragmentation rates
potential to disrupt metabolism to contribute to obesity
altered the function of the HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis, which can change the secretion of male reproductive hormones
What are the common culprits for EDCs?
These chemicals, which can be natural or man-made, are found in a broad range of household items and encountered in everyday circumstances.
Phthalates: used as a plasticiser in food packaging and cosmetics
PFAS: found in coatings on non-stick cookware and coating on textiles to make them more durable or cleanable
BPAs: found in food packaging and childrens toys
Dioxins: are a type of industrial byproduct that is mostly consumed in meat and fish, predominantly in fatty tissue
As a Dietitian, chemicals like these are not technically my area of ‘expertise’, as exposure to these chemicals isn’t ‘nutrition’ as we traditionally see on the curriculum. However, since this is such an evolving field and a significant proportion of exposure comes from food packaging, Dietitians and Nutritionists are well placed to support individuals with reducing their exposure. And if we don’t talk about it, who will?
To move forward:
Firstly I would like to reassure you that, as with all areas of nutrition, we are aiming for progress not perfection. Any small change you can reasonably make will be beneficial, but you do not need to overhaul your whole life or start unsustainable habits which cause you more stress. Find the changes that work for you, and consider what you may be able to implement further down the line, even if not now.
Top tips for reducing exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals:
Avoid heating food in plastic packaging: if you are heating or reheating, use a saucepan or oven where practical. If you are using a microwave, always put your food in a bowl or dish to reheat, rather than plastic containers
Opt for safer food storage: consider purchasing glass or stainless steel food containers, which are a brilliant alternative to their plastic counterparts. You can find some of my suggestions here.
Simple cooking solutions: avoid using cookware with ‘non-stick’ coating. Using simple stainless steel baking trays, cast iron or stainless steel pans, or enamel coated dishes can be a great alternative (and last a lifetime!)
Bring your own water bottle: using your own stainless steel waterbottle can help reduce reliance on single use plastic water bottles - better for you and the planet! Same goes for coffee cups, I have one and it comes everywhere with me.
Research your cosmetics: everyone has different preferences when it comes to cosmetics, but I would encourage you to read the labels before you next purchase your skincare and toiletries. You can find more about EDCs and cosmetics in this blog by Upcircle
I hope that this blog has shed some light on EDCs and given you some direction with where to start. If you are concerned about your exposure to EDCs or their impact on your fertility, you can book in to clinic to discuss this with me.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7071611/#Sec23
https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/edcs