16 Common Home Items That Experts Say Can Damage Your Hormonal Balance

We usually don’t notice how the items in our home are affecting us negatively. However, some everyday products might be silently affecting our health in ways we don’t expect.

It’s eye-opening to realize that the things we use daily could be influencing our hormone balance. From cleaning supplies to personal care products, some common items might surprise you with their potential impact. Here are 16 items you might have at home that could be harming your hormonal health, according to the National Library of Medicine. You might be surprised by what you find.

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Plastic Food Containers

Plastic containers can have harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which mess with hormones. These chemicals can get into your food and drinks, causing hormone issues. Research shows BPA exposure can harm reproductive health, thyroid, and insulin control.

Nonstick Cookware

The coating on nonstick cookware has chemicals called PFCs, like PFOA and PFOS, that can mess up hormone signals. These chemicals build up in the body and can harm the thyroid, reproductive hormones, and immunity, which can have extremely negative effects on your health.

Synthetic Fragrances

Lots of things in your home, like air fresheners, candles, and personal care stuff, have fake fragrances made with chemicals like phthalates. Breathing in these chemicals or absorbing them through your skin can mess with hormone balance and lead to breathing problems, allergies, and sensitive skin.

Antibacterial Soaps & Cleansers

Products that kill germs often have triclosan and triclocarban, which can mess up hormones. Using these chemicals for a long time might affect your thyroid, upset estrogen and testosterone levels, and make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Residues On Produce

Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables can have lingering pesticide residues, including organophosphates and glyphosate. They can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone production and signaling pathways. Choosing organic produce whenever possible can reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.

Parabens In Personal Care Products

Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and skincare products. These chemicals can mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt hormonal balance. Research suggests a potential link between paraben exposure and breast cancer risk, highlighting the importance of choosing paraben-free alternatives.

Canned Foods

Canned foods often contain a lining made from bisphenols, such as BPA or BPS (bisphenol S), to prevent corrosion. However, these bisphenols can leach into food, particularly acidic or high-fat items, increasing the risk of hormonal disturbances. Opting for fresh or frozen foods over canned options can reduce bisphenol exposure.

Electronic Devices

Excessive exposure to blue light emitted by smartphones, computers, and tablets can disrupt circadian rhythms and melatonin production. This can affect sleep patterns, mood regulation, and hormonal balance. Implementing screen time limits, using blue light filters or glasses, and practicing good sleep hygiene can mitigate the effects of blue light exposure on hormone health.

Air Pollutants

Many air fresheners, scented candles, and room sprays contain synthetic fragrances composed of phthalates and volatile organic compounds. These chemicals can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, potentially interfering with hormone signaling and respiratory function. Try to use natural scents and products when possible.

Over-The-Counter Products

Despite being easily accessible and commonly used, OTC products can potentially disrupt hormone balance due to the presence of certain chemicals or ingredients. Not all OTC products contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, and many are safe for use when used as directed. However, individuals may choose to minimize exposure to potential EDCs by opting for products labeled as “paraben-free,” “phthalate-free,” or “fragrance-free.”

Detergents & Fabric Softeners

Many laundry detergents and fabric softeners contain synthetic fragrances, surfactants, and preservatives that can linger on clothing and bedding. These chemicals may lead to skin irritation and respiratory issues, affecting overall well-being. Fragrance chemicals in laundry products can also contain phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors linked to hormone imbalances and reproductive issues.

Food Additives & Preservatives

A lot of processed foods, snacks, and beverages contain artificial additives, preservatives, and flavor enhancers that can impact hormone health. Artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners may disrupt endocrine function and contribute to metabolic imbalances. A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods and minimizing intake of heavily processed products can support hormone balance and overall health.

Medicines

Of course, medicines may also affect your hormone balance. This is not true for all sorts of drugs on the market, but it surely is for contraceptives. If this is something that concerns you, you may try a non-hormonal contraceptive, such as the copper IUD. This intrauterine device contains no hormones and can prevent pregnancy for up to ten years.

Pesticides And Herbicides

Pesticides and herbicides may also harm women’s hormonal balance. When buying these products, avoid chloropyrifos, parathion, malathion, diazinon, and nerve gas, including Sarin. These substances have been associated with ADHD and behavioral problems in children and increased aggressiveness in rodents.

Thermal Receipts

Thermal paper receipts are made with BPA chemicals, which have been shown to be quite harmful to the system. Handling receipts may disrupt your hormone balance, increase your anxiety or even compromise your memory. Throw away all those unnecessary receipts and opt for paperless receipts when you are out shopping. Not only will this help improve your hormone health, but it will also declutter your house.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Some ingredients inside toothpaste may cause serious damage. Many toothpastes contain fluoride, an ingredient that has been shown to alter thyroid function. Certain toothpaste brands also include artificial sweeteners and chemicals that could interfere with hormone balance. Rather than grab the first toothpaste on the shelf, consider using natural, fluoride-free options that might help minimize any negative effects on your hormonal health.

This article is inspired by an endocrine study published in the National Library of Medicine.